Dardanelles Strait Closed Amidst Raging Wildfires in Turkey

The Dardanelles Strait has been temporarily closed to maritime traffic as wildfires threaten nearby areas, prompting evacuations and extensive firefighting operations in Turkey.

The Dardanelles Strait, a vital commercial shipping route connecting Europe and Asia, has been closed to maritime traffic due to the outbreak of severe wildfires in north-western Turkey, as reported by the country's transport ministry. This precautionary measure follows significant blazes near the city of Canakkale, leading to the evacuation of several residents from affected areas.

In response to the escalating fire situation, Turkish firefighters have mobilized to combat the flames, employing a range of techniques, including the use of specialized firefighting planes and helicopters. Local authorities noted that strong winds have exacerbated the situation, allowing the wildfires to spread rapidly in the extremely hot and dry conditions characteristic of the summer.

The Dardanelles Strait, which connects the Aegean Sea to the Sea of Marmara, serves as a critical thoroughfare for international maritime trade. Official statistics indicate that nearly 46,000 vessels navigated this waterway in 2024, underscoring its economic importance.

Despite the closure of Canakkale's main airport for passenger flights, operations for firefighting and search and rescue aircraft are ongoing from the site. The wildfire crisis is part of a broader context in Turkey this summer, where hundreds of fires have erupted, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents. Earlier incidents in July resulted in the deaths of at least 10 forestry and rescue workers while they were engaged in firefighting efforts in the central Eskisehir province.

As extreme heat continues to grip the region, both neighboring Greece and Turkey face ongoing challenges with wildfires, highlighting the urgent need for effective emergency response measures.