Turkish Cypriot fire services officials say the recent fire that scorched a large section of the Pentadaktylos (Besparmak) Mountains forest was the largest blaze in the north of the island since 1995.
An estimated 2,000 acres of forest plantation were reduced to ashes in the blaze that broke out at around 12.15pm on Sunday between the village of Kapouti (Kalkanli) and Diorios (Tepebasi) and was declared out of control by 1.30pm. The fire was eventually brought under control by 8pm but not before a number of pine trees as well as cypresses, carob and olive trees were destroyed.
Turkish Cypriot firefighters had a difficult task before them with the authorities calling for help from the British Bases and Turkey. The British Bases responded by sending two helicopters, while Turkey sent a plane and two helicopters to help put the flames under control.
An offer to help from the Greek Cypriot Fire Services was rejected as the existing forces in operation were deemed satisfactory. The fire had managed to reach the villages of Dyo Potamoi (Ikidere) and Kontemenos (Kilicarslan).
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The targeted area had been heavily forested with rough terrain and strong winds working against the fire-fighters and volunteers, who had fought relentlessly to stop the fire from reaching the residential areas.
Many residents of in the nearby villages were later treated in hospital for smoke inhalation.
Altay Firat, who is the head of the Turkish Cypriot forestry department, said efforts to monitor the area would continue into Monday.
Meanwhile, Tevfik Direnc, who is the district governor in Morphou, said that the authorities believed that the fire had started as a result of trees branches coming into contact with power lines.
Meanwhile, the fire has re-opened a debate concerning the shortage of fire combating helicopters in the north. Despite the large number of firefighters and volunteers who initially responded to the call, efforts were stifled by the difficult terrain and the lack of support from the air.