Five people lost their lives and dozens more required medical attention after a fire broke out in crop stubble and spread through settlements in southeast Turkey overnight. The blaze, which started between the provinces of Diyarbakir and Mardin, quickly engulfed the villages of Koksalan, Yazcicegi, and Bagacik, fueled by strong winds. Diyarbakir Governor Ali Ihsan Su confirmed that the fire was brought under control early Friday.
Health Minister Fahrettin Koca reported that a total of 44 individuals were treated in hospitals, with 10 in serious condition. An investigation into the cause of the fire has been initiated by authorities, with residents speculating that sparks from a power line ignited crop residue, as reported by independent news sources.
Tragically, hundreds of farm animals also perished in the blaze, adding to the devastation caused by the fire. In a separate incident in northwest Turkey, firefighters were battling a wildfire near the town of Ayvacik in Canakkale province. While there were no reported injuries, authorities took precautionary measures by evacuating the village of Camkoy.
This recent spate of wildfires in Canakkale province has been exacerbated by high winds and scorching summer temperatures, posing a significant challenge to firefighting efforts in the region.
