A forest fire erupted on Saturday in the Gelibolu district of Türkiye’s northwestern province of Canakkale, leading to precautionary evacuations in five villages.

The fire started at 16:28 local time in a wooded area near a village, though the cause has not yet been identified.

Authorities deployed extensive resources to contain the fire. According to the Canakkale Governor’s Office, 12 airplanes and 12 helicopters have been used in aerial firefighting efforts.

On the ground, 94 fire trucks, six municipal fire engines, three bulldozers, and 560 personnel have been mobilized to battle the flames.

The operation is being conducted under the coordination of the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD), the Regional Forestry Directorate, the gendarmerie, police, and other relevant agencies.

Officials stated that the firefighting response is ongoing.