(MENAFN) A devastating forest fire in central Türkiye has claimed the lives of ten individuals, including both forestry personnel and members of search and rescue teams, according to official statements released on Wednesday.

In the past 24 hours alone, nine significant wildfires have erupted across the country. Crews are currently battling 11 major fires, deploying every available resource as extreme temperatures and unpredictable wind patterns continue to complicate the situation, according to the Agriculture and Forestry Minister.

Authorities reported that one particularly dangerous fire, which began in the Eskisehir province and spread into the adjacent region of Afyonkarahisar, caught 24 responders off guard. Among those trapped were 19 forestry workers and five rescue personnel.

"Fourteen of them are currently being treated in various hospitals without major health issues. Unfortunately, we lost five forestry worker brothers and five search and rescue team members," he said.

The minister expressed condolences to the families of those who perished and extended best wishes for the recovery of the injured.

The country’s president also mourned the loss of life caused by the fire.

"I have learned with great sorrow that five forestry workers and five search and rescue volunteers were martyred while responding to the forest fire in Eskisehir,” he said.

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