ISTANBUL: Turkey has temporarily halted northbound shipping traffic on the Dardanelles Strait due to a rapidly spreading forest fire near the town of Canakkale. As a precaution, the move aims to ensure the safety of marine vessels and crews navigating the strait amidst the escalating fire.
The AFAD emergency response service has reported the evacuation of three villages on Turkey’s northwestern coast due to the fire’s advancement. The Dardanelles Strait, connecting the Aegean Sea and the Sea of Marmara, is a critical waterway and a popular tourist destination, hosting the ancient ruins of Troy.
Turkey Alerts Tugboats to Remain on Standby
The decision to keep southbound traffic operational along the strait has not been explicitly explained by Turkey’s transport ministry. The ministry has alerted tugboats to remain on standby in the event of needing to respond to the fire’s proximity to the seaside.
Television images broadcasted by Turkey’s NTV revealed thick clouds of smoke enveloping Canakkale. The fire’s approach toward a local hospital and university campus has raised concerns about potential damage to essential infrastructure.
To combat the fire, AFAD has deployed 10 planes and 26 helicopters to aid firefighting efforts. Additionally, a local highway has been temporarily closed as a precautionary measure.
