Forest fires have closed a key waterway in Turkey.

The Dardanelles Strait is temporarily closed to maritime traffic due to wildfires raging in northwestern Turkey, the country's transport ministry said.

The main international waterway was closed as a precautionary measure as the fires spread near the city of Canakkale, from which many residents have been evacuated.

Turkish firefighters have been dispatched to try to contain the fires. Specialized aircraft and helicopters are also being used to combat the flames.

The Dardanelles connect the Aegean Sea with the Sea of Marmara. Together with the Bosphorus, they serve as an important route for commercial shipping between Europe and Asia.

Turkish firefighters have been dispatched to try to contain the fires. Specialized aircraft and helicopters are also being used to combat the flames.$BTC