Fire-fighting teams in north-western Türkiye are battling a large wildfire that started on 15 July in farmland near Şenköy in Tekirdağ’s Şarköy district and, fanned by strong winds, spread into surrounding forests and across the provincial border to Çanakkale’s Gelibolu peninsula. Authorities evacuated at least seven villages and hamlets as flames edged toward residential areas, while four people were taken to hospital for smoke inhalation. Thick smoke forced the temporary closure of the Çanakkale-Malkara highway at the Kavakköy junction, and motorists were diverted to alternative routes. Agriculture and Forestry Minister İbrahim Yumaklı said late on 16 July that 15 fixed-wing aircraft, 19 helicopters, nearly 500 ground vehicles and about 1,181 personnel were engaged in suppression efforts. Earlier in the day the Communications Directorate reported 76 heavy fire trucks and 509 firefighters on the scene, up from an initial deployment of 14 planes, 13 helicopters and 684 personnel. Crews worked throughout the night as winds of up to 30 km per hour complicated containment. Separate fires broke out in Balıkesir’s Altıeylül district and in two forested areas of Bolu’s Göynük district, drawing additional aircraft and ground crews. Both blazes were reported to be under control, but officials warned that hot, dry and windy weather continues to keep much of the country on high alert.