Forest fires continue in the western regions of Turkey, having already claimed the lives of two people. These fires, which have engulfed the İzmir province, have been ongoing for the seventh day, writes Reuters.

Among the victims is an excavator operator who died while trying to extinguish the flames. Another victim was an 81-year-old man who was unable to leave his home when the fire reached his residence.

A group calling itself the “Children of Fire” has claimed responsibility for multiple arson attacks in six Turkish cities. They assert ties to the banned Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK), which is considered a terrorist organization in Turkey, the US, and the EU.

The PKK, which announced the end of its 40-year armed conflict and self-dissolution in May, has not yet commented on these accusations.

To combat the fires in the forested area of Buca in İzmir, both aerial and ground forces have been deployed. Authorities have also closed some roads leading to the popular resort town of Çeşme, where firefighting efforts continue.

Approximately 200 residential homes have been damaged by the fires. Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya stated that alternative housing has been provided to those affected. Earlier this week, about 50,000 people were temporarily evacuated due to high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds that fueled the spread of fire.