Canakkale, Turkey:  Wildfires in the northwestern Turkish province of Çanakkale have continued into a second day, prompting widespread precautionary evacuations and an extensive firefighting operation. The fires, which began on Monday, have forced hundreds of residents from their homes, including those in university campuses, military zones, and nearby residential areas.

Authorities have deployed seven firefighting planes, six helicopters, and around 700 personnel to combat the flames. While blazes in the Ezine and Ayvacık districts are now under control, the fire continues to burn near Çanakkale’s city center, particularly in areas close to the southern Dardanelles Strait. Officials reported that wildfires in Edirne and Hatay provinces have been completely extinguished, while a separate blaze in Manisa is still active but being managed.

The fires have disrupted critical infrastructure. Çanakkale Airport and the Dardanelles Strait, a vital maritime passage linking the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara, were temporarily shut down on Monday. Although flames remain close to populated areas, officials said there is currently no direct threat to homes in the city center.

Strong winds and high temperatures have fueled the spread of the fires. Temperatures have reached 33°C, with wind speeds up to 66 km/h, making firefighting conditions difficult. Around 50 people have been treated for smoke inhalation, though none are in critical condition.

Firefighting teams are continuing efforts to fully contain the remaining hotspots, with authorities urging residents to remain alert to evacuation warnings and air quality updates in the coming days.