The firefighting helicopter returned to Turkey: Northern Cyprus is left without aerial support in the middle of the fire-prone season

The firefighting helicopter previously provided by Turkey to combat fires in Northern Cyprus has been recalled due to large-scale forest fires in Turkey itself. This happened at the height of the fire-prone period, when the island’s temperature exceeds the climate norm and humidity levels have sharply dropped.

Experts warn that the absence of aerial equipment in conditions of high temperature and dry weather significantly increases the risk of large-scale fires. Now, extinguishing possible fires is entirely entrusted to the ground units of the Forestry Department and the Civil Defence Service. However, specialists note that in the event of a rapid spread of fire, especially in mountainous and hard-to-reach areas, it will be extremely difficult to cope without air support.

After a major fire in the Mersinlik area, representatives of environmental organisations and some MPs have repeatedly raised the issue of creating their own helicopter aviation unit for the needs of Northern Cyprus. Nevertheless, no concrete steps have been taken in this direction so far.

Meteorologists forecast continued hot and dry weather, making the coming weeks particularly dangerous for the region’s forests.