Last-minute fire battle in Çanakkale: Hours of fighting flames
Forest Fires Continue to Ravage Çanakkale and Other Areas
A devastating forest fire broke out in the Kızılkeçili village of Çanakkale city center on July 16, causing widespread damage and prompting evacuations. Despite the efforts of many firefighting teams and local villagers, the fire could not be brought under control due to strong winds.
In response to the ongoing fire, active intervention from the air began at dawn today. More than 60 sprinklers, 21 air elements, and over 500 personnel are working tirelessly to combat the flames.
Tragically, around 500 hectares of land in Çanakkale have already been reduced to ashes. The fire in Kızılkeçili village, which broke out the previous day, spread rapidly due to the wind and the efforts to extinguish it have been challenging.
Throughout the night, a night vision fire extinguishing helicopter joined the fight against the flames, and local villagers provided support with water tankers. Furthermore, additional teams from Balıkesir and Bursa, along with more than 50 sprinklers and over 500 personnel, have joined the firefighting efforts.
As a precautionary measure, the villages of Kemel, Kurşunlu, and Dörtyol were evacuated, according to a statement from the Çanakkale Governorate. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı stated that eight villages have already been affected by the fire, including Kızılkeçili, Kemel, Dörtyol, Yapıldak, Musaköy, Upper Archers, Kurşunlu, and Işıklar.
In addition to Çanakkale, other regions in Turkey have also faced forest fires. In the Kavakoluğu District of Mersin’s Gülnar district, a fire erupted and quickly spread due to the wind. As a result, 373 houses in four neighborhoods had to be evacuated. It took 19 hours of relentless efforts before the fire was finally brought under control.
Another fire started at a restaurant in Muğla’s Datça district and swiftly spread to the maquis area and the forest. Fire crews have been battling the fire from both the air and the ground.
In Adana’s Karaisalı district, a fire broke out in a grassy area near the railway. With the wind’s influence, the fire rapidly spread into the forest. Fortunately, firefighting teams managed to bring the situation under control within three hours.
Fortunately, early interventions from the Izmir Regional Directorate of Forestry teams prevented nine forest and bush fires in Izmir and Manisa from escalating further.
As investigations into the forest fires continue, Minister of Justice Yılmaz Tunç announced that seven suspects have been identified and two have been arrested for their alleged involvement in starting the fires between July 10 and 17. The investigations are ongoing, and efforts to hold those responsible accountable are in progress.
The devastating forest fires in Çanakkale and other areas have caused significant damage to nature and put many lives at risk. The tireless efforts of the firefighting teams and the support of local communities are crucial in combating these fires and preventing further destruction.
