President Ersin Tatar: “First indications show that about 700 dönüms of forest land in the Geçitköy region have been gutted by the fire”
President Ersin Tatar has stated that the first indications have shown about 700 dönüms of forest land in the Geçitköy region have been gutted
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The President made the remarks during his visit to the region to oversee the efforts to put out the fire which spread to the forest, where two firefighting helicopters and an aircraft are taking part from the Republic of Türkiye. Also taking part are two helicopters from the Sovereign Base Areas following the initiative of the Presidency and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The President commended the intense efforts and coordination of the respective firefighting units of the State and all involved for the intensive struggle being put forward to extinguish the fire.
“As we enter the summer months, there is a need to be very careful because our woodlands are more vulnerable to fires,” the President told a live news broadcast of BRT State media. “Everyone has to be more vigilant and responsible, so as to protect our forests in the best way possible.”
President Tatar stated that upon receiving a telephone call from the Corps Commander, he cancelled his programme and came to the region and that they made a helicopter reconnaissance with the Security Forces Commander, and added that there was a great danger in the area where the Mavi Köşk is located.
Noting that reconnaissance was also carried out with Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) against the dense smoke, President Tatar stated that all institutions and organisations were mobilised to extinguish the fire. “Everyone involved in this intense effort has put forward an extraordinary effort” the President said.
“Two firefighting helicopters and one aircraft from Türkiye and two helicopters from the Sovereign Base Areas also took part in the efforts, with water from the Geçitköy dam being used to put out the fire.”
President Tatar added: “According to the first indications, an area the size of about 700 dönüms has been gutted. We are very saddened. The cause of the fire will be investigated. Two years ago, the fire in Kalkanlı was of a greater multitude geographically, but 700 dönüms of woodland is still very significant. I am very upset”
Emphasising that many people are working in an extraordinary manner to put out the fire, President Tatar thanked everyone who has taken part and for their effort. He also conveyed his best wishes to the injured citizen during the fire extinguishing efforts.
“We must be very cautious and better prepared in the summer”
The President made a call to everybody to be cautious and prepared as peak temperatures will arrive with the summer season, adding: “When I was the Prime Minister, Türkiye had stationed a helicopter in TRNC, but from time to time it had to go back to Türkiye for servicing. An arrangement is needed for a firefighting helicopter to be deployed here again. We experienced today's fire as we entered the summer, we need to be much more cautious and better prepared in the summer.”
President Ersin Tatar stated that he told the Minister of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dursun Oğuz, that the Forestry Department and [Electricity Authority] Kıb-Tek should work together, and that the risk of electrical cables running through critical areas should be eliminated. He explained that they can also help to minimize the risk in places that pose a risk such as garbage dumps.
Asked to give a message to the public, President Tatar said: “My message to the people is this: The burning forests belong to all of us. We cannot blame anyone. There are some shortcomings and there are opportunities. We need to strengthen all of these. It is clear where the risks are, a study is needed to minimise those risks. That work requires coordination. This lesson has been learned. It was already learnt after the fire in Kalkanlı. We have seen the extraordinary efforts of the State, business people and the public, with the support of helicopters, airplanes and UAVs, with the capabilities of all institutions and organisations. Together, a great work was done in coordination. Thank you to those who participated in the firefighting efforts.”