Wildfire threatens ancient city of Assos in NW Türkiye

ISTANBUL, June 26 (Xinhua) -- A wildfire erupted in scrubland near Türkiye's northwestern province of Canakkale on Wednesday, spreading towards the ancient city of Assos, local media reported.

NTV broadcaster reported that the fire broke out in the Ayvacik district around 4:30 p.m. local time (1330 GMT), prompting the deployment of firefighting aircraft and vehicles.

Fanned by strong winds, the blaze advanced rapidly towards Assos, with firefighters battling the flames both from the air and on the ground. Social media footage showed residents anxiously watching as the blaze engulfed the entrance road to the ancient city.

The fire has not posed threats to local settlements, according to NTV.

The Directorate General of Forestry confirmed via social media platform X that firefighters were actively working to extinguish the fire.

Founded between 1000 and 900 BC, Assos was once home to the renowned Greek philosopher Aristotle. Today, it's a popular tourist destination along the Aegean coast, known for its ancient ruins. The city was included on UNESCO's tentative list of World Heritage Sites in 2017.