16 fires occurred in Northern Cyprus in one week, causing damage of 1,235,300 TL

Between 31 August and 6 September, 16 fires occurred in Northern Cyprus, while firefighters responded to 19 special calls. The total damage caused by fires over the week amounted to 1,235,300 TL, the TRNC Fire Department reported.

The highest number of fires was recorded in Lefkoşa — five. Four fires occurred in Güzelyurt and three in Girne. The remaining incidents took place in Gemikonagi, İskele, Geçitkale and Yeşilköy.

Firefighters cite electrical short circuits, deliberately set fires during land clearing, discarded cigarettes that had not been extinguished, gas accumulation and sparks caused by electrical wires coming into contact with each other among the likely causes.

Special calls do not involve firefighting: under this category, firefighters took measures to prevent fires, took part in rescue operations, carried out separate assignments and transported the bodies of deceased people to hospital for forensic examination.

The Fire Department separately reminded residents that setting fires in Northern Cyprus is prohibited from 1 May to 31 October, including for land clearing, which remains one of the causes of fires. The department asks people to fully extinguish cigarettes and charcoal, not to throw them into waste containers containing flammable materials, not to overload extension cords, and to keep fire extinguishers in their cars, at home and at work. Residents are asked to report smoke and signs of fire by calling 199, and forest fires by calling 177.