Damage from Fires in Northern Cyprus Amounts to 318 Million Turkish Lira Since the Beginning of the Year

Since the start of 2024, 474 fires have occurred in the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC), resulting in a total financial damage of 318 million Turkish Lira. The primary cause of these fires has been identified as discarded cigarette butts.

In a statement from the Fire Department marking the start of Fire Safety Week yesterday, it was noted that, compared to previous years, Northern Cyprus has successfully avoided large-scale fires this year.

Thanks to the proactive measures taken and the timely and coordinated interventions by fire crews, military personnel, civil defense, local municipalities, and forestry management, the fires have been contained, preventing more significant disasters.

To put this in perspective, in 2023, a total of 544 fires occurred, causing damage amounting to 89 million 483 thousand 200 Turkish Lira. In 2022, there were 725 fires, resulting in injuries to 6 individuals and the loss of 1 life, with damages totaling 273 million 563 thousand 222 Turkish Lira. In 2021, there were 882 fires, leading to damages of 15 million 367 thousand Turkish Lira.

This year, Fire Safety Week is being observed in the TRNC from September 25 to October 1.