Turkey temporarily closes one of the world's most important sea passages due to fires

(Patria) - Turkey has temporarily closed the Dardanelles due to a large fire near the city of Canakkale, the local Ministry of Transport announced.

This is one of the world's most important sea passages, connecting the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara, and is a key route for commercial traffic between Europe and Asia.

The passage was closed as a precaution while the fire, fueled by strong winds and hot, dry weather, spread towards the city, and some residents were evacuated.

Firefighters on the ground, as well as specialized planes and helicopters, are participating in the extinguishing efforts. The provincial governor stated that efforts are being made to contain the fire "from the air and from the ground".

According to official data, almost 46,000 vessels passed through the Dardanelles last year.

The main airport in Canakkale has also been closed for passenger flights due to the fire, but it is still being used by firefighting planes and search and rescue aircraft.

This is just one in a series of fires that have affected Turkey this summer. Hundreds are burning across the country, and tens of thousands of people have had to leave their homes.

In July, at least ten foresters and rescuers died while fighting fires in the central province of Eskisehir.