1995's Fire Incident
The fire incident that occured in 1995 in north Cyprus
In 1995 northern Cyprus suffered a nightmare. A fire broke out near Kyrenia that was considered the worst fire in living history to many residents on the island. Over 160 kilometers of the beautiful island paradise was burnt to nothing more than ashes. Olive groves, forests, and many other beautiful areas were destroyed.
The blaze unfortunately was determined to be that of arson. Someone setting blazes at various points all because the individual did not like tourism. The idea of tourists on the island did not set well with the individual apparently. Although this was a never conclusive and different individuals were investigated too.
Nonetheless, the fire raged and ground vehicles were not of much of use due to the type of terrain where the blaze was burning out of control. It was in a mountainous area and only aircraft and helicopters could reach the fire. It took several hours to even maintain the blaze and more than three days to get the blaze extinguished completely. Residents in nearby villages were sent running from their homes and property. It was a very sad time for northern Cyprus.
Afterward a cleanup was set into action and although it was a memory that many residents would never forget no one was killed although there were several individuals that were injured due to the fire. Homes were destroyed as well as the landscaping and many groves.
Over 50 local homes were destroyed. Fortunately nearby hotels and bungalows survived the fire with only minor damages and the Cypriots were grateful for that. Tourism is one of the valued assets for the economy of Cyprus, Europe.
Sadly, a historical thirteenth century St. Hilarion castle went up with the fire, and to spectators due to its ancient age, it went up like a glowing candle. Older residents that had heard stories from generations past about the castle could only stand and watch in tears as a piece of history was destroyed.
The biggest hit unfortunately, was done to the wooded area of northern Cyprus. Clean up crews spent several days clearing what once was a beautiful forest and taking it by barge to a nearby spot that was chosen.
That type of forestry that was destroyed in the fire takes at least fifty years to reach the shape of maturity that it was before the blaze. Many people were astonished that someone could be so cold hearted as to destroy part of northern Cyprus in such a way.
Although tourism continued, this was now another site many went to, just to see what had happened and some tourists shed a few tears over the lost forest and beautiful castle that once stood letting visitors know just how unique and old the island of Cyprus, Europe really is.
Now, new trees have been planted and are being nurtured however it will take a very long time for them to look as beautiful as those that stood before them. And unfortunately the thirteenth century castle can never be replaced.