Europe extends condolences to Turkey over massive forest fires

By Gozde Bayar and Muhammet Tarhan

ANKARA (AA) - Officials from the EU, UK, Serbia, and Hungary extended condolences to Turkey on Friday amid massive forest fires in the country's southern provinces that have claimed the lives of three people.

"We are deeply saddened by the forest fires that occurred in different parts of Turkey. We offer our condolences to those who lost their loved ones and wish strength to the teams which fight against the fires. The European Union share Turkey’s sorrow," the EU delegation to Turkey said on Twitter.

Serbian Foreign Minister Nikola Selakovic called his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu on Thursday night and conveyed his condolences for the citizens who died due to the fires, according to diplomatic sources.

Dominick Chilcott, the British ambassador in the capital Ankara, said separately on Twitter that he was very saddened to hear about the forest fires that continue to spread in Turkey and the devastating effects of the flames.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the fires and the emergency services teams who risk their lives to help those in need," Chilcott added.

Viktor Matis, Hungary's ambassador to Turkey, on Twitter wished the country a quick recovery, thanking those taking part in efforts to contain the fires.

- 3 dead

Dozens of fires that broke out in at least 21 of Turkey's provinces, including several Mediterranean provinces, have been plaguing the country since Wednesday.

Three people lost their lives and 138 others were affected by the wildfires in the Mediterranean coastal province of Antalya, including one who was seriously injured, said the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD).

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the state was mobilizing all its means to bring the blazes under control.