August 16th 2024.
The recent wildfires that engulfed ANZAC Cove in Gallipoli, Turkey have finally been brought under control, though the threat still looms over the area. The dry, hot, and windy weather conditions created the perfect environment for the fires to spread rapidly across the Gallipoli Peninsula, affecting various commemorative and operational sites. The extent of the damage is yet to be confirmed, and there are concerns about the impact on the Australian war graves and memorials.
The Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC), responsible for maintaining the graves and memorials of soldiers from Britain, Australia, New Zealand, India, and other nations, reported that their staff had to evacuate the peninsula for their safety. The CWGC oversees more than 30 cemeteries on the Gallipoli Peninsula. In a statement, a spokesperson expressed their deep concern over the fires and assured that any damage would be assessed and remediated as soon as possible. They also extended their sympathies to their colleagues, their families, and the affected communities, as well as those with personal connections to the soldiers commemorated on the peninsula.
The CWGC also acknowledged and thanked the efforts of those working to keep the local people and villages safe, and to minimize the damage to the commemorative sites of all nations. Images of the site showed the gravestones covered in soot, surrounded by scorched gardens overlooking the Aegean Sea. Emergency services are still battling the flames, believed to have been caused by an electrical fault. The Forestry Minister, Ibrahim Yumakli, reported that 17 out of 47 active forest fires were still not under control as of Friday.
During a press conference, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese paid tribute to Gallipoli as a sacred ground for both Australia and Turkey. He also expressed his concern for the ongoing efforts to control the fires on the peninsula and their impact on the cemeteries and the thousands of Australians who visit them every year. The fires come just two months after record-breaking temperatures in the country led to a significant increase in forest fires compared to last year. As the situation continues to develop, our thoughts remain with those who are working tirelessly to protect the sacred sites and the communities affected by the devastating fires.
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