Western Turkey Experiences Another Forest Fire, Resulting in Partial Airport Closure
Ongoing Wildfires Ravage Western Turkey
Extreme weather conditions and strong winds have been blamed for the ongoing wildfires ravaging western Turkey, particularly in Canakkale, throughout August 2025. The fires have forced evacuations, closed critical transport routes, and caused significant disruption to the region.
As of mid-August, multiple wildfires were burning in various districts of Canakkale, including Ezine, Ayvacik, the city center near the Dardanelles Strait, and Gelibolu. The fires have forced evacuations of villages, a university campus, and an elderly care home.
Authorities temporarily shut down Canakkale airport and suspended maritime traffic through the Dardanelles Strait because of heavy smoke and fire hazards. The provincial governor, Omer Toraman, announced evacuations in endangered areas by sea and land.
Seven fire-fighting aircraft and six helicopters are currently in operation in Canakkale, battling the fires with numerous vehicles on the ground and from the air. While fires in some districts like Ezine and Ayvacik were largely under control, the fire near the southern part of the Dardanelles Strait remains active.
Governor Toraman stated there is no immediate danger to residential areas at this time. However, the weather service has issued a storm warning for four western provinces, including Canakkale, with heavy winds and potential precipitation expected. Winds of up to 80 km/h from the north and northeast are expected until Tuesday in western Turkey.
These conditions have made the task of fighting the fires more difficult. The fires have been blamed on the current weather conditions in western Turkey, which include extreme heat and drought. Experts have also linked the increasing extremes in weather conditions to climate change.
In summary, the situation in Canakkale involves ongoing wildfire activity through mid-August 2025, with significant firefighting efforts, evacuations, and temporary shutdowns of critical transport routes due to dangerous conditions fueled by strong winds. Some fires are under control while others continue to burn actively near population centers. No sources report the fires as fully extinguished or the emergency over as of the latest available updates in mid-August 2025.
[1] Reuters [2] BBC News [3] Al Jazeera [4] The Guardian
- Due to the ongoing wildfires and the expected storm with heavy winds and potential precipitation, transportation in Canakkale may face further disruptions as a result of the unfavorable weather conditions for firefighting efforts and possible adverse impacts on transport infrastructure.
- Weather forecasting plays a crucial role in fighting the wildfires in Turkey, as accurate predictions can assist firefighters in strategic planning and preventive measures, especially considering the increasing link between the extreme weather conditions and climate change.
