A large forest fire has been raging in the Dardanelles (Çanakkale) province of northwestern Turkey since midday. Due to the thick smoke, navigation in the Dardanelles Straits has been suspended.

The fire is threatening residential areas, from where residents are being evacuated, while an evacuation order has been issued for a hospital and a nursing home. The fire is also visible from the center of the city of Dardanelles, which has also been covered in thick smoke.

The fire started at approximately 1:30 p.m. near the village of Saritzaeli, about 10 km southeast of the city center. Very strong winds are blowing in the area.