Minister of Agriculture and Forestry İbrahim Yumaklı provided the latest updates on the day-long fires during a press briefing at the Çanakkale Fire Management Centre.
Minister Yumaklı stated that the first intervention in the central Çanakkale fire took place at 13:30, with temperatures at 30°C and wind speeds reaching 80 km/h at the time of ignition. “The wind created a storm-like effect, causing the fire to spread rapidly,” he said.
Evacuations at hospital and care centre
Yumaklı explained that the fire posed a threat to the state hospital, a care centre, and a partially open student dormitory, leading to precautionary evacuations. In total, 131 people were relocated to safety — including 72 patients, 57 disabled individuals, and 2 staff members.
Just four minutes after this fire began, a new blaze was reported in Bayramiç district, where wind speeds reached 90 km/h. More than 600 residents were evacuated from the villages of Saçaklı, Ahmeçeli, Doğancı, and Zeytinli, which were at risk.
Teams on the ground overnight
The firefighting response included 11 planes, 9 helicopters, 241 land vehicles, and around 900 personnel. Minister Yumaklı noted that the fire in the central area was largely under control, while flare-ups were still occurring in Bayramiç. A total of 24 people suffered from smoke inhalation, but none were in life-threatening condition.
Four suspects detained
A criminal investigation has been launched into the causes of the fires, and four individuals have been taken into custody. Yumaklı also stated that maritime traffic in the strait was reopened at 21:00 for one-way travel from north to south but could be closed again if necessary.
44 fires nationwide
Across Türkiye today, a total of 44 fires were battled, 26 of which occurred outside forested areas. Aside from the two Çanakkale fires, four other fires with the potential to grow were also brought under control. Yumaklı thanked AFAD, the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Interior, and all agencies for their support.
