Fire in Turkey Halts Operations at Canakkale Airport
A serious forest fire struck northwestern Turkey on August 8, causing Canakkale Airport to cease operations. The airport stopped accepting all passenger flights due to danger. Additionally, three settlements were evacuated due to the fire, which initially started on agricultural land but quickly spread to forest areas.
#Canakkale is fighting not only flames but also strong winds reaching speeds of 56 km/h. We are continuing our simultaneous intervention from both air and land against the fires.
Until our land breathes again, we will continue battling the flames… pic.twitter.com/zfCZaqhvNE
— Forest General Directorate (@OGMgovtr) August 8, 2025
Local officials reported the evacuation of residents after the fire approached residential areas. Currently, emergency services are actively fighting the fire.
The fire that broke out in Sarıcaeli Village of Canakkale Bayramiç has spread to the COMÜ Terzioğlu Campus due to the wind's influence. The university hospital and campus area are being evacuated. We urgently request support! Please share, the intervention is insufficient. #canakkaleyanıyor pic.twitter.com/EElWSPoYC2
— Ralolita (@lalisakis) August 8, 2025
As of now, there is no updated information about the injured or deceased. Aviation is also involved in firefighting efforts.
They say fire burns where it falls. While we are dealing with our fire, we did not see the one in Bayramiç.
At least five villages, especially Yiğitler and Saçaklı villages of Bayramiç, are affected by the fire that cannot be brought under control. #canakkaleyanıyor pic.twitter.com/hj1Q5Qw4km
— Tadilat Dolayısıyla Kapalıyız (@OKOKOKYES) August 8, 2025
Recently, a large forest fire also engulfed over 15,000 hectares of land in France, resulting in at least one death and nine injuries. The French Ministry of Ecology reported that this fire is the largest since 1976.
This event occurs against the backdrop of a series of forest fires across Europe due to extreme heat and other weather anomalies.