Firefighters in northwestern Turkey are battling a major wildfire for a second consecutive day, as strong winds and scorching temperatures fuel the flames in Çanakkale Province. Hundreds of residents have been evacuated, and key transport routes remain closed.
The blaze, which broke out on Monday, has forced the temporary closure of Çanakkale Airport and the Dardanelles Strait to allow firefighting aircraft and helicopters to operate safely. Parts of a major highway have also been shut down to keep routes clear for emergency vehicles.
While fires in the Ezine and Ayvacık districts have largely been brought under control, flames continue to threaten areas near the southern entrance of the Dardanelles, close to Çanakkale’s city center. The firefighting effort includes seven planes, six helicopters, and around 700 personnel working on the ground.
Authorities report that wildfires in Edirne in the north and Hatay in the south have been fully contained, but active blazes remain in Manisa.
On Monday, evacuations included a university campus, a military zone, and nearby residential areas. Temperatures reached 33 °C with winds up to 66 km/h, creating dangerous conditions that have hampered containment efforts. About 50 people were treated for smoke inhalation, none of them in serious condition.
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined. Officials are urging residents to avoid non-essential travel and to follow safety instructions as firefighting operations continue.