Update on the Varosha Fire incident that happened on Friday June 12, Cause of Fire unknown [VIDEO]

A fire broke out in the fenced-off town of Varosha, Famagusta TRNC at around 3.30pm on June 12th. Smoke and flames rose up from the town centre, near the Palm Beach Hotel and could be seen from some parts of Famagusta.

Fire trucks from Nicosia were sent to Varosha as back up for the Famagusta fire brigade. The fire burned an area of approximately one square kilometre, scorching shrubs, grassland and several abandoned buildings.

Smoke from the blaze caused many residents in western Famagusta to prepare to leave their homes – whilst military authorities ordered the evacuation of a nearby "guest house" used by Soldiers and their families.

Regarding an offer of help from the Republic of Cyprus, Akinci said: "Let me be clear, if it was needed, we would have asked for help from the UN and the Greek Cypriots. Let me remind you from the very first day of my election I have upheld the view that the other side is not our enemy but our partners in a common future.”

There were no reports of injuries. An assessment of the damage is expected over the weekend. An investigation has started to establish the cause of the fire.

Watch clip of the fire incident below:


Credit: Kibris Postasi | Famagusta Gazette | Cyprus Mail