The head of the Forestry Department Cemil Karzaoğlu has warned the public of the heightened risk of forest fires as scorching summer temperatures continue to rise.

Speaking to BRT on Sunday, the Director of the Forestry Department Cemil Karzaoğlu warned that the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was under a high risk of forest fire as temperatures continued to peak.

He said that the public should refrain from lighting picnic fires and should not under any circumstances throw cigarette butts out of their vehicles.

He said that even the slightest wind could threaten our forests.

Regarding the recent fire in Merslinlik which resulted in the destruction of a large area of forest, Karzaoğlu said that forestry department teams were still standing watch over the area, intervening at spots where they saw smoke bellowing.

“We experienced a serious forest fire. We must learn our lesson. According to the met office’s forecast temperatures are set to continue climbing,” he said.

Karzaoğlu reminded that lighting fires outside of picnic sites between May 1-October 31 was strictly forbidden.

“Just the other day an individual who lit a fire outside a picnic site was warned by a forest ranger. He insulted the officer and a public case was filed against the individual. Everyone needs to be more polite and respectful of our rangers who are only doing their jobs in this hot weather,” he said.