Turkiye: Wildfire in Canakkale Province prompts authorities to temporarily close Dardanelles Strait, evacuate several communities as of early Aug. 23

Event

Emergency crews are responding to a wildfire burning in Canakkale District, Canakkale Province, as of early Aug. 23. The blaze, which ignited near the village of Kayadere Aug. 22, has burned about 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres), prompted authorities to evacuate more than 1,200 people from nine villages in the area, and caused power outages that have impacted more than 2,200 customers. Additionally, the fire prompted a brief suspension of maritime traffic through the Dardanelles Strait late Aug. 22. While traffic was reportedly scheduled to resume at 21:30 Aug. 22, Turkish Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Ibrahim Yumakli subsequently cautioned that the maritime route would again close to traffic in both directions early Aug. 23. Authorities have also closed the Canakkale-Can highway (D210) to traffic, and have requested that motorists refrain from traveling on the Canakkale-Izmir highway (D550/E87) to avoid firefighting operations. Officials did not immediately confirm the cause of the blaze nor specify how long the evacuation orders would remain in place.

There have been no immediate reports of deaths in connection with the wildfire. However, smoke from the fire has drifted into Canakkale city, and an unspecified number of people in the area have been treated for smoke inhalation.

Lingering transport and business disruptions are likely in the affected area for the duration of the emergency response. The status of nearby roads will likely change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close further routes within the wildfire complex and evacuate additional communities due to fire activity and the needs of response operations. The return of residents could disrupt traffic flows after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region. Additional power outages are possible if the fire causes further damage to power infrastructure. Authorities may cut off power to parts of the affected area to aid firefighting efforts.

Advice

Heed instructions issued by local authorities, including evacuation orders. Seek updated information on maritime shipping disruptions if routing shipments via the Dardanelles Strait, as well as on road conditions if driving in the affected area; road closures and detours will likely cause increased congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Collect essential items - including identification and any important legal and travel documents - in a "go-bag" that can be easily accessed. Charge battery-powered devices in the case of prolonged power outages.