Smoke from wildfires in southern Turkey reached Cyprus

Smoke from major wildfires in southern Turkey became visible from Cyprus on September 8. The Kitas Weather meteorological service published images showing two separate fire hotspots: one in the Antalya area and the other north of Adana.

According to the service, the smoke is moving south and reaching the island region because of a northerly airflow in the lower and middle troposphere. Kitas Weather released its analysis after residents reported noticing the haze.

The report contains no assessment of the impact of the smoke on air quality on the island. The current real-time data from Cyprus monitoring stations is published by the state air quality monitoring service of the Department of Labour Inspection, allowing residents to check conditions in their area.

In smoky conditions, people are advised to close windows, use an air conditioner with a filter and avoid physical exertion outdoors. People with respiratory illnesses are advised to keep any necessary medication with them and seek medical attention if their condition worsens.

On September 8 in Turkey, firefighting crews and aircraft tackled two fires in the Kozan district of Adana province — in the Doganalany area and in the Dagilcak area. Residents were evacuated from several settlements as a precautionary measure because strong winds were spreading the fire rapidly.