In a devastating turn of events, at least 10 forestry and rescue workers have lost their lives while combating a fierce wildfire in Turkey's Eskisehir province. The blaze, which erupted on Tuesday morning, quickly spread due to high temperatures and strong winds, catching many off guard. Turkey's Agriculture and Forestry Minister, Ibrahim Yumakli, reported that 24 workers were trapped by the flames, with 14 currently receiving medical treatment.

The victims included five forestry workers and five volunteers from the AKUT rescue organization, a non-governmental group dedicated to disaster relief. The tragic incident has prompted an outpouring of grief across the nation. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed his condolences, stating, "I pray for God's mercy on our brothers and sisters who fought at the cost of their lives to protect our forests."

The wildfire's rapid spread has forced the evacuation of several villages, with temperatures soaring above 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit) in recent days. The intense heatwave, which scientists attribute to climate change, has led to numerous wildfires across Turkey this summer, affecting regions including Sakarya, Bilecik, and Izmir.

Local lawmaker Nebi Hatipoglu described the community's deep sorrow, referring to the deceased as "heroic forest workers who were martyred while fighting the flames." The situation mirrors challenges faced by neighboring Cyprus, where firefighters are battling a significant wildfire amid record-breaking temperatures.