Right now, Çanakkale—particularly the Gallipoli Peninsula—is facing a serious challenge as a large-scale forest fire continues to spread. The fire broke out yesterday around 4:28 PM between the villages of Tayfur and Cumalı. With the help of strong winds, the flames quickly expanded into the forested areas of Eceabat.
Nonstop Efforts Throughout the Night
The moment the fire was detected, response teams launched an intense firefighting operation both from the ground and the air. Ground crews worked tirelessly throughout the night, and as daylight broke, helicopters and planes were once again airborne to support the effort. Currently, 12 planes, 12 helicopters, 75 fire trucks, 20 municipal firefighting vehicles, 16 bulldozers, and a total of 985 personnel are actively involved in containing the blaze. It’s a massive operation with a full-scale mobilization.
Villages Evacuated, Residents Safe
Çanakkale Governor Ömer Toraman shared an update on social media, confirming that five villages were evacuated as a precaution due to the fire’s proximity. A total of 251 residents were relocated to safe zones, with 112 of them now being accommodated at the Eceabat Youth Guesthouse. The governor also emphasized that, so far, the fire has not reached residential areas, and that teams are working intensely to keep it that way.
Historic Sites Temporarily Closed to Visitors
Unfortunately, the fire is threatening not just natural landscapes, but also areas of significant historical value. As a safety measure, the northern section of the Gallipoli Historical Site has been closed to visitors. This includes locations such as the Sunken Ship, Mimoza, the 57th Infantry Regiment Memorial, and Conkbayırı.
In addition, Bigalı Castle, the Bigalı Atatürk House, and the Çanakkale Epic Promotion Center have also been temporarily shut down.
Drone Footage Reveals Scope of the Fire
The scale and spread of the wildfire have been captured through aerial footage taken by drones. The images offer a striking view of how large the affected area has become, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Officials Remain Hopeful Amid Ongoing Operations
In his latest statement, Governor Toraman reassured the public by stating that all available resources are being deployed in the fight against the fire. He praised the dedication of the teams on the ground and in the air, noting that their efforts to bring the blaze under control continue around the clock.
There’s hope that this tough battle will soon come to an end, with both the region’s natural beauty and rich historical heritage preserved from further harm.
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