Deadly wildfires spread across Turkey as thousands evacuated
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.
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