Wildfires in Turkey’s Canakkale and Mersin Provinces Cause 16 Deaths, Homes Destroyed Amid Evacuations

Wildfires have affected multiple regions in Turkey, particularly in the northwestern province of Canakkale and the southern province of Mersin. In Canakkale, a large blaze spread rapidly due to strong winds, reaching residential areas and prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents as a precaution. Firefighters battled the fires for several days, and by August 13, the country's forestry minister announced that the major wildfire in northwest Turkey was largely under control. In Mersin, overnight wildfires destroyed several homes, with body camera footage showing firefighters actively combating the flames. The recent wildfires across Turkey have resulted in at least 16 fatalities. Separately, a fast-moving wildfire also erupted in northwestern Los Angeles County along Interstate 5, where firefighters scrambled to control the blaze.