Turkey Experiences Most Fires as Firefighting Crews Manage Remaining Flare-ups
Wildfires Rage in Canakkale, Turkey: Evacuations, Damage, and Ongoing Response
Large wildfires continue to burn in Canakkale, Turkey, particularly in the southern part near the city center. The fires, which have been raging for several days, have forced the evacuation of hundreds of residents from villages, a university campus, and an elderly care home as a precaution.
The fires have caused significant damage, with at least three villages destroyed, widespread forest loss, and disruption of transport and daily life. To combat the fires, firefighting efforts involve multiple planes (up to 10), helicopters (6-9), fire trucks, heavy machinery, and ground crews. Bulldozers were used to create firebreaks, while aerial water drops were conducted to slow the spread.
As of August 12, over 2,000 people have been evacuated by road and sea, with no immediate danger reported currently to remaining residential areas. The Canakkale airport and the Dardanelles Strait—a critical maritime passage—were temporarily closed to allow firefighting activities and reduce risks from heavy smoke and low visibility.
High winds exceeding 40 km/h and hot temperatures have hampered containment, creating new hotspots and prolonging the battle against the fires. Emergency teams are prepared for a prolonged response, as this remains one of Turkey’s most severe wildfire events of the season.
Elsewhere in Turkey, fires have been reported in Bolu, Edirne, Manisa, and Hatay. The fire in Bolu was sparked by sparks from a combine harvester, and two suspects were detained. In Edirne, a fire in the Enez district's Büyükevren and Gülçavuş villages led to the evacuation of 2,700 people. A suspect was detained in connection with one of the fires in Manisa.
Authorities in various provinces have urged residents to avoid unnecessary travel in affected zones. Seventy-seven people were treated for smoke inhalation in Canakkale. A fire near the Syrian border in Hatay's Yayladağı was contained after overnight ground efforts and renewed aerial attacks at dawn.
In a positive note, forest workers in Canakkale rescued two puppies and a tortoise from the flames. Despite the challenges, emergency teams remain committed to battling the fires and protecting the local communities.
[1] News Source 1 [2] News Source 2 [3] News Source 3 [4] News Source 4 [5] News Source 5
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