Latest news with #rescuevolunteers
The Sun
3 days ago
- Climate
- The Sun
At least 17 killed in ‘apocalyptic' Turkey wildfires sparked by record 50C heatwave as thousands flee their homes
AT least 17 people have been killed in apocalyptic wildfires tearing through Turkey as record-breaking 50C heat and howling winds fuel devastation across the eastern Mediterranean. The infernos have forced more than 3,500 residents to flee their homes since late June, with vast swathes of forest reduced to ash. 6 6 Ten rescue volunteers and forestry workers lost their lives in a blaze in Eskisehir last week, while four more died outside Bursa over the weekend. Two volunteer firefighters succumbed to injuries after being pulled from an overturned water tanker. Another worker died at the scene and a firefighter suffered a fatal heart attack on Sunday. Turkey's forestry minister Ibrahim Yumakli confirmed that crews battled at least 44 separate fires on Sunday alone, declaring the western provinces of Izmir and Bilecik disaster areas. The chaos comes as firefighters across the region struggle to contain a wave of blazes fuelled by a relentless heatwave and bone-dry conditions. Across Turkey alone, firefighters have battled more than 600 blazes in the past week, with over 1,900 emergency responders drafted in to help save trapped residents. With record-breaking temperatures showing no sign of easing, officials fear the death toll could rise as the eastern Mediterranean braces for even more infernos. In Greece, a week-long heatwave peaking at 45C sparked multiple wildfires, forcing mass evacuations near Athens and across the islands of Crete and Evia. A huge blaze scorched a northern suburb of the Greek capital on Saturday, with 115 firefighters and 24 vehicles deployed on Evia, backed by six planes and seven helicopters. Meanwhile, Cyprus is battling what officials have branded its worst wildfires 'for 50 years.' Shock moment beachgoers surrounded by smoke as raging wildfires in Italian hols hotspot With temperatures soaring to 44C, dozens of homes have been destroyed in the Troodos mountains. Brit couple Lucy and Ben Armstrong were among those left homeless. Ben told The Sun: 'We lost everything that day, there's nothing left. 'We had fish tanks in the house and there was absolutely nothing left of what was in the water except melted glass on the floor.' Two people were found dead in a burnt-out car as more than 70 houses were reduced to rubble. Meanwhile, in Sardinia, Italy, tourists were sent running for their lives when flames ripped right down to the beach at Punta Molentis on the island's southeast coast. 6 6 Sunbathers abandoned their towels and spades as thick black smoke engulfed the shoreline. The coast guard evacuated 102 people by sea, while helicopters hovered overhead during the dramatic operation. Some 200 cars and a kiosk were torched as the blaze tore through the Sarrabus area — described by local media as a 'jewel' now reduced to cinders. Footage showed burnt-out vehicles after flames ravaged the parking area, leaving many stranded. Fire crews deployed two Canadair firefighting planes, a helicopter, regional aircraft, and even an Italian Air Force vehicle to contain the inferno as winds fanned the flames. 6
Bloomberg
3 days ago
- Climate
- Bloomberg
Four Dead as Wildfires Ravage Turkey and Threaten Mediterranean
Wildfires driven by searing temperatures and strong winds ravaged Turkey and parts of Greece in recent days, leaving four people dead and forcing hundreds of residents and tourists to flee the flames. Two fires broke out in Turkey's western province of Bursa over the weekend, filling the skies of two major towns with smoke. Three volunteer firefighters died when their water tanker truck fell off a cliff, and another passed away from a heart attack, DHA news agency reported. Last week, 10 forest workers and rescue volunteers were killed while fighting wildfires in Turkey's Eskisehir province.
The Independent
4 days ago
- Climate
- The Independent
Deadly wildfires spread across Turkey as thousands evacuated
Wildfires have threatened Bursa, Turkey's fourth-largest city, leading to the evacuation of 1,765 people from surrounding villages. The fires, which spread rapidly overnight in the forested mountains near Bursa, caused the closure of the highway linking Bursa to Ankara. These blazes are being fuelled by unseasonably high temperatures, dry conditions, and strong winds, with Turkey recording its highest ever temperature of 50.5C in Sirnak province. So far, 13 people have died, including 10 rescue volunteers and forestry workers, amidst dozens of daily wildfires across the country since late June. Prosecutors have investigated fires in 33 provinces, taking legal action against 97 suspects, while Izmir and Bilecik have been declared disaster areas.
Daily Mail
10-07-2025
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Miraculous twist in desperate search for missing teen Darcy Deefholts who disappeared while surfing
A teenager has been found alive on a remote island after he failed to come home from a Wednesday afternoon surf session. Darcy Deefholts, 19, was last seen fishing with his surfboard beside him at a breakwall on Wooli Beach in New South Wales ' northern rivers region. His bike, clothes, and shoes were then found about 5km north at a local surf spot. Rescue volunteers and emergency services immediately launched a search effort, calling on beach walkers and drone operators from the public to assist. But on Thursday morning, Darcy was found about 12km out at sea on North Solitary Island.
