Firefighters and locals battle wildfire in Turkey’s northwestern Bursa province for third day

Reuters. Firefighters battled the flames of a wildfire in Turkey’s northwestern province of Bursa as it entered its third day on Monday (July 28).

The fire in the Harmancik district was stoked by high winds after it was largely contained earlier in the day. Locals used whatever means at their disposal to battle the flames as they ravaged several areas over wooded hills, sending smoke billowing.

Dozens of wildfires have broke out across Turkey in the past two weeks, stoked by strong winds after days of searing heat across the Mediterranean region. Hundreds more have been put out this summer.

Three firefighters were killed on Sunday when their vehicle crashed as they fought the blazes in the province, Turkey’s Forestry Ministry said on Monday, while thousands were temporarily evacuated from various villages and neighbourhoods.

Hot and dry summers have been common in the Mediterranean region, but more intense heatwaves have contributed to destructive wildfires in recent years amid fast-rising temperatures across the globe.