Forest fire erupts in northwestern Turkey

A forest fire broke out in Turkey's northwestern Çanakkale province on Monday.

The fire erupted in the Gelibolu district of the province and no casualties have yet been reported.

A total of 510 firefighters, 118 water tankers, 20 bulldozers, 2 amphibious aircraft and 20 helicopters were battling the flames, said Bekir Pakdemirli, the agriculture and forestry minister.

Pakdemirli canceled his scheduled program in Manisa province and visited Çanakkale.

Speaking to reporters, the minister said: "It seems that we have lost around 300 hectares [of land] so far."

"For now, there is no major danger to residential areas. We will take necessary measures regarding our villages, if need be," he added.

Maritime traffic in Dardanelles, a strait in Çanakkale, has been suspended.