Seven Fires Reported in One Week, Over 1 Million TL in Damages

The fires affected areas in Famagusta (2), Yeşilköy (2), and one each in Nicosia, Kyrenia, and Güzelyurt. Possible causes of the fires included lightning strikes on trees, forgotten pots on functioning gas stoves, improperly discarded cigarette butts, sparks from electrical wires igniting dry grass, and overloads in electrical panels.

Special service incidents handled by the fire department included rescuing individuals trapped in vehicles after traffic accidents, providing fire safety training, and saving pets stuck in various locations.

The Fire Department emphasized the importance of timely precautions to prevent disasters, issuing the following warnings:

• From May 1 to October 31, all types of open flames are prohibited, even for cleaning purposes.
• Ensure cigarette butts are completely extinguished before disposal, avoiding areas like roadsides, forests, and trash bins.
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets and devices, using surge protectors correctly, and never leaving high-energy devices unattended.
• Report hazardous conditions, such as damaged electrical infrastructure, by calling 188 for the Electric Fault Line.
• Regular maintenance of vehicles, especially those transporting fuel, can prevent fire hazards.
• Keeping fire extinguishers in homes and vehicles and learning how to use them can help mitigate fire risks.

Citizens are urged to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately to 199 for the Fire Department, 177 for forest fires, or 155 for police assistance.