Turkey Controls Multiple Large Wildfires Across Northwestern Provinces

Severe wildfires in the Canakkale region of Turkey have caused significant destruction to homes, vehicles, and popular tourist resorts, with ongoing firefighting efforts involving multiple aircraft, helicopters, and hundreds of personnel. Authorities have evacuated thousands of residents by land and sea, including precautionary evacuations near a university campus and military area, while treating dozens for smoke inhalation. Although several wildfires in provinces such as Edirne, Hatay, Manisa, Izmir, and Bolu have been brought under control, the fire in Kepez, Canakkale remains active and challenging due to strong winds and dry conditions exacerbated by a significant decrease in rainfall. The Canakkale airport and parts of the Dardanelles Strait were temporarily closed or restricted to aid emergency operations, with local officials warning of high risk conditions intensified by climate change-related drought and heat. Cooling operations continue to prevent rekindling of fires, and authorities remain vigilant as weather forecasts predict strong winds that could further complicate containment efforts. Overall, firefighting teams remain committed to controlling the wildfires amid difficult environmental and logistical challenges.