A forest fire continues to rage in Turkey’s Canakkale province, resulting in the evacuation of multiple villages and the suspension of shipping operations along the Dardanelles Strait.
The fire initially ignited around noon on Tuesday.
Ibrahim Yumakli, the Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, swiftly arrived in Canakkale to coordinate firefighting efforts. He stated that the fire has now spread across an area of approximately 1,500 hectares.
In a morning post, Yumakli stressed the commitment to safeguarding inhabited areas, noting the ongoing use of seven firefighting aircraft and 22 helicopters for aerial intervention.
As a precautionary measure, authorities cut off power and natural gas supplies in certain neighborhoods, particularly those near a hospital. Over 1,250 individuals from nine villages have been relocated to ensure their safety.
Additionally, a university campus has been evacuated, with officials cautioning that the flames pose a threat to the city center.
Ali Yerlikaya, the Minister of the Interior, reported that 54 people have been affected by smoke inhalation, and among them, 48 have received medical treatment at a hospital.
