Western Turkey experiences another forest fire, leading to the temporary closure of a nearby airport.
A large and rapidly spreading forest fire is currently being fought in two separate locations in Canakkale, a province in western Turkey. The fire began in an agricultural field near Sarıcaeli village and has since engulfed forested areas, with efforts to contain it ongoing.
The fire's progression has been exacerbated by strong winds, extreme heat, and drought conditions. Evacuation measures have been put in place, with hundreds of residents from several villages, a university campus, and an elderly care home moved to safer locations as flames approached dangerously close. The Dardanelles Strait — a crucial maritime passage — and Canakkale airport were temporarily shut down due to heavy smoke and safety concerns.
Firefighting operations are extensive, involving seven to eight planes, six helicopters, dozens of fire trucks, and heavy machinery actively engaged in combating the flames. Despite these efforts, some equipment, such as a fire truck, was reportedly abandoned as flames engulfed it.
The airport in Canakkale is currently being used by emergency services fighting the fire and by state officials. Shipping through the Dardanelles Strait has been restricted due to heavy smoke, although this has not been confirmed by authorities. A storm warning has been issued for four western provinces, including Canakkale, and strong north and north-easterly winds of up to 80 km/h are expected until Tuesday.
Experts have blamed climate change for the increasing extremes in weather conditions, which they believe have contributed to the current wildfire situation. Four separate fires are being battled by emergency services in western Turkey, with people in affected areas being evacuated by sea and land.
The fire's cause remains unknown, and there is no new information about the number of fire-fighting vehicles or aircraft in operation, or the status of the airport or highway in Canakkale.
As the fire continues to rage, authorities and emergency services are working tirelessly to contain the blaze and protect the local population. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
References:
- BBC News
- Anadolu Agency
- TRT World
- Daily Sabah
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