The Dardanelles Strait, an essential passage linking Europe and Asia, has been temporarily closed to shipping traffic due to the intensifying wildfires in northwestern Turkey, as reported by the country’s transport ministry. The situation has become critical near the city of Canakkale, where rapid fire spread led to the evacuation of local residents.
Firefighting crews, supported by specialized aircraft, are currently on the ground and in the air trying to contain the wildfires. The Dardanelles Strait acts as a vital connection between the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, with official data showing that nearly 46,000 vessels navigated it in 2024.
Local authorities attribute the rapid spread of the fires to strong winds and hot, dry conditions. As firefighting efforts continue, the province’s governor noted that operations are being conducted to extinguish the fires from both ground and air sources. Although the main airport in Canakkale has been closed to passenger flights, it remains operational for firefighting and rescue activities.
This summer has seen a surge in wildfires across Turkey, leading to significant evacuations of thousands of residents. In a tragic incident in July, at least ten forestry and rescue personnel lost their lives while battling a blaze in central Eskisehir province. As Turkey combats these wildfires, neighboring Greece is also facing similar challenges due to extreme heat and wildfires spreading in both countries.
