A devastating wildfire, fueled by strong winds, swept through villages in southeastern Turkey. Claiming the lives of at least 11 people and injuring dozens more. The blaze, which started with the burning of crop stubble, quickly engulfed the villages of Koksalan, Yazıçiçeği, and Bağacık, located between the cities of Diyarbakır and Mardin.
78 people were injured
On Friday, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca confirmed the fatalities and stated that 78 people were injured. With at least five in critical condition. Harrowing images of the inferno illuminating the night sky and massive plumes of smoke billowing into the air flooded social media.
Emergency response teams and ambulances were deployed to the affected areas, and by Friday, firefighters had managed to bring the blaze under control, according to Diyarbakır Governor Ali İhsan Su. Meanwhile, the Justice Ministry has launched an investigation into the cause of the fire.
Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya revealed that the fire originated in an area 30 kilometers south of Diyarbakır late Thursday and rapidly spread due to strong winds, impacting five villages.
“The Fire Is Under Control”
This week, several wildfires fueled by extreme heat and dry conditions have ravaged Turkey. This tragic incident is just one example. In Çanakkale province, another wildfire near Ayvacık forced the evacuation of Çamköy village. The fire has been brought under control in most areas.
According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS). Turkey has experienced 74 wildfires so far this year, affecting over 12,910 hectares of land.
