Western Turkey experiences another forest blaze, leading to a temporary airport closure.
A forest fire that was previously brought under control in Canakkale, Turkey, has resumed, posing a significant threat to the region. The wildfire, which began on August 8-9, 2025, is currently being fought by emergency services alongside three other fires in western Turkey.
The weather conditions in western Turkey, including extreme heat, drought, low humidity, wind, and strong north and northeast winds of up to 80 km/h, are making the task of fighting the fire more challenging. Experts attribute the increasing frequency of such extreme events to climate change.
Urgent Evacuation Measures and Maritime Restrictions
As a result of the wildfire, five villages have been evacuated as the fire approaches populated areas. Emergency shelters have been established to protect evacuees, including elderly residents from a nursing home.
The Dardanelles Strait (Dinël Strait), an important maritime passage connecting the Aegean and Marmara Seas, has been closed temporarily due to heavy smoke. This closure has disrupted usual sea traffic and delayed about 100 ships to ensure both firefighting operations and maritime safety against reduced visibility from smoke. However, no new information about the restriction of shipping through the Dardanelles Strait was provided.
Firefighting Efforts and Airport Usage
Authorities have mobilized emergency response teams to contain the fire and prevent its further spread towards urban areas of Canakkale city and surrounding villages. The airport in Canakkale is currently being used by emergency services and official authorities.
Seven fire-fighting aircraft and six helicopters are currently in operation, working alongside numerous vehicles on the ground to combat the wildfire.
Storm Warning Issued
A storm warning has been issued for four western provinces, including Canakkale, adding to the challenges faced by emergency services in containing the wildfire.
In summary, urgent evacuation measures and maritime restrictions are active while firefighting operations continue in the Canakkale wildfire zone as of mid-August 2025. The situation remains critical, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
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General-news outlets are reporting an increased number of accidents across western Turkey due to the harsh weather conditions, such as the heavy smoke and strong winds that pose challenges for firefighting efforts in the ongoing Canakkale wildfire. Weather forecasters predict further deterioration in weather conditions with the issuance of a storm warning for the Canakkale and three other provinces in western Turkey, which may lead to additional accidents and complicate the ongoing battle against the wildfire.
