Turkiye: Wildfire in Canakkale Province, June 19

Emergency crews are responding to a wildfire burning in Eceabat District, Canakkale Province, as of June 19. The blaze broke out near the village of Kumkoy during the afternoon of June 18 and has grown to around 575 hectares (1,421 acres) in size. Hundreds of firefighting personnel are on site tackling the blaze. The fire has been partially brought under control as of June 19; however, strong winds are fanning the flames and hampering firefighting efforts. Authorities have evacuated more than 500 people from the villages of Buyuk Anafarta and Kucuk Anafarta as a precaution due to the fire. Officials have closed the road between Buyuk Anafarta and Kumkoy. Maritime authorities have temporarily suspended ship traffic in one direction (north-south) in the Dardanelles Strait due to smoke from the fire.

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.