Major Fire in Turkey: Navigations Halted in the Dardanelles Strait

Navigations in the Dardanelles Strait in Turkey have been halted in both directions due to forest fires. This was announced by the Maritime Affairs Department of Turkey's Ministry of Transport, according to TASS.

“Navigations in the Dardanelles Strait have been temporarily suspended in both directions due to forest fires in the Çanakkale province,” the statement reads.

According to the agency, one of the fires broke out in the area of the Sarıjayılı settlement. Under the influence of strong winds, the fire rapidly spread over a large area, including agricultural lands, and approached the settlement itself. The fire is being extinguished, and the resulting smoke has spread towards the strait.

The Dardanelles Strait connects the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara and the Black Sea via the Bosphorus.