DISK's Strong Reaction to the Eskişehir Fire: "This Order Kills Forests and Laborers!"

Ankara - Confederation of Revolutionary Trade Unions (DISK) President Arzu Çerkezoğlu issued a harsh statement on the forest fires that started in Sakarya and spread to Bilecik and Eskişehir, killing 10 people. Çerkezoğlu said, "This order is killing both forests and laborers! This order neither protects the forests nor the lives of the laborers who work to protect them."

"We are experiencing disaster upon disaster"

In its statement, DİSK pointed out that Turkey has recently experienced a succession of disasters. On July 23, 2025, 10 people, including 5 forest workers and 5 AKUT volunteers, lost their lives and 14 people were injured in a forest fire that broke out in Seyitgazi district of Eskişehir due to a sudden change in wind direction. Çerkezoğlu stated that this situation shows that there are major failures in both the protection of forests and the endangerment of human life in the fight against fires.

"Rent-seeking and Market-oriented Approach is the Real 'Survival' Problem"

The DİSK General President emphasized that forest fires are not only a natural disaster, but also "the most real 'survival' problem for our country and our future of a rentier, marketist understanding". The statement criticized the failure of the country's rulers to take adequate precautions before the fire season, despite the fact that they are aware that Turkey is in a fire zone and that fire incidents increase every year. DİSK described the lack of emergency plans, the lack of technological and mechanical tools, and the lack of a plan for the deployment of trained and properly equipped experienced teams in risky areas as "a major deficiency."

"Inadequate Precautions Cost Human Lives"

Çerkezoğlu stated that the government, which has collapsed the technological and mechanical infrastructure to be used in extinguishing fires and does not have a public struggle policy and action plan, has not taken necessary and sufficient measures, and that this has directly cost human lives. "Forest fires cannot be fought by deploying laborers who do not receive the necessary training, do not have protective equipment or are inadequate," said DISK, drawing attention to the negligence in worker health and safety.

In the statement, it was reminded that forest fires pose a great threat not only for the workers fighting them, but also for the environment and living life. It was emphasized that factors such as temperature, humidity, wind, land structure, forest characteristics should be evaluated in a holistic manner and measures should be taken.

DISK Calls for Accountability

DİSK noted that the training, equipment, suitability of the equipment used, shift system, coordinated work of workers in the field, the importance of coordination in communication and proper nutrition facilities are vital for the teams that will fight forest fires.

At the end of the statement, on behalf of the DISK Executive Board, President Arzu Çerkezoğlu expressed her condolences to the families of the workers and AKUT volunteers who lost their lives in the fires, and wished the injured a speedy recovery. Most importantly, it called for those responsible for these disasters to be exposed and held accountable before the judiciary as soon as possible. DISK emphasized that they will continue to fight for the future of forests, the safety of workers and the continuation of life.