Latest developments on continuing forest fire in Çanakkale Region

The fire that broke out in Çanakkale is still continuing despite efforts of teams working in the region. Minister Yumaklı has made the following statements regarding the fire that has been ongoing for 2 days (10:25)

“We are continuing our efforts in the field with nearly 2,700 personnel. One of the planes is a Russian aircraft carrying high-tonnage water. There were 337 households with 1,251 citizens in 9 villages. We were in the villages throughout the night. In Ulupınar village, 5 houses, and in Yağcılar village, 4 houses have been damaged. There is damage to barns and stables. There are 83 individuals among the villagers who have chronic diseases or are elderly. Only 8 of our citizens are under observation. Due to their chronic conditions, there is no citizen in critical condition. As we stated yesterday, the Çanakkale Strait was unilaterally closed. It is currently closed to maritime traffic in both directions. The Çanakkale-Çan road is temporarily closed.

The humidity is around 19%, and the wind is blowing at about 70 km/h, currently at a speed of 40 km/h. It will increase to 60 km/h in the afternoon. The importance of wind and humidity lies in their roles in firefighting. Humidity is an important parameter for preventing the fire from spreading. Wind carries particles from the burning area to the non-burning area. Burning particles can be carried up to 3 kilometers.

MINISTER KOCA: 83 PEOPLE AFFECTED BY THE FIRE

Health Minister Fahrettin Koca had announced earlier that a total of 83 people were affected by the forest fire in Çanakkale. Minister Koca stated the following in a social media post:

“In the forest fire that occurred in Çanakkale, a total of 83 people were affected. 14 of them were transported to the scene by ambulances dispatched, and 48 people reached hospitals on their own. In addition, as a precaution, 21 patients, including 13 palliative care patients and 8 patients from the chest diseases ward of Çanakkale Mehmet Akif Ersoy State Hospital, were transported by ambulances. 74 ambulances and 4 UMKE vehicles were dispatched to the scene. Along with 32 service vehicle drivers, the Çanakkale province is actively participating. Firefighting efforts are ongoing.”