Nearly 10,500 Turkish Red Crescent volunteers lead way in assisting fire victims

By Zehra Aydin Turapoglu

ANKARA (AA) - Around 10,500 Turkish Red Crescent volunteers continue to provide assistance to victims of recent wildfires in Turkey in 160 sites both day and night.

Turkish Red Crescent officials told Anadolu Agency that the group gave help to fire victims in every corner of Turkey with its volunteers.

Following the wildfires that broke out in many provinces, nearly 10,500 volunteers are working day and night to support fires victims.

At the front line to support to the fire victims, volunteer doctors, veterinarians, cooks, logistics managers, housewives, and teachers continue their work at 160 different sites.

Volunteers give those who are in urgent need a helping hand. While doctors take care of people affected by smoke, veterinarians rush to aid animals injured by the fires.

The groups’ volunteer chefs also cook for people in region hit by wildfires, and volunteer psychologists provide support to both families and children.

Ali Sinan Kerimol, 72, said he has been helping relief efforts for more than a week.

"I’m very proud of my work, everyone should do it," he said in a video the Red Crescent posted online

Doing the same tasks and sharing the same spirit and excitement as young people gives him renewed energy, he added.

- International volunteers

Sultan Keles, who came to Turkey from Germany and became a Red Crescent volunteer when he heard about the wildfires, said: "There are many people who need help in wildfire disaster areas, and the Red Crescent is doing really good work for them. That's why you can join from all over the world, like I did."

Paramedic Kerim Can Kaynak said before the wildfires, he had planning to spend his annual leave on vacation in Marmaris in the Mugla province.

"I volunteered for the Turkish Red Crescent due to the wildfires and came with my three friends,” he explained. “We try to treat people for bee stings, burns and smoke exposure."

People who want to take an active role in the Turkish Red Crescent can volunteer online.

At least eight people have been killed, according to official figures, since fires started in southern and southwestern Turkey in late July.

All but a handful of the fires are now out, according to Turkish officials.