Greek Cypriots accept Turkish help to fight wildfire

By Murat Demirci

LEFKOSA, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (AA) – The Greek Cypriot administration has accepted an assistance offer from Turkey to fight a wildfire raging for the last three days on the island’s Troodos Mountains.

A statement from the Greek Cypriot administration on Tuesday evening confirmed that Turkey's Forestry Ministry, in coordination with Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus President Mustafa Akinci, offered two extinguisher helicopters and a firefighting airplane.

The offer was accepted by Greek Cypriot administration leader Nicos Anastasiades.

The fire broke out on Sunday in the Troodos Mountains and has reportedly claimed the lives of two firefighters.

Sixteen planes and helicopters from Greece, Israel and the Greek Cypriot administration have been involved in efforts to control the blaze.