Blaze stopped before reaching Akamas

The origin of a fire that broke out in Neo Chorio in Paphos has been traced back to a location outside a residential yard at a local village, just outside Akamas national park.

(Click here for an update to the story)

According to Cyprus News Agency, a fire broke out on Monday afternoon at 2:22pm at the village boundary of Neo Chorio, Paphos district. The fire was reportedly along a road that leads to Smigies Nature Trail, less than one kilometre from the eastern boundary of Akamas Peninsula National Park.

Fire fighters from both the Forestry and Fire departments rushed to the scene along with two fire trucks and engines, all joined by aerial support from two forestry department airplanes and two leased helicopters.

An hour later, the fire was contained at 3:35pm after burning through 100 square metres of wild vegetation and shrubbery planted by the department.

While the fire was not a large-scale incident, it occurred at a time and place that threatened the wider area of Akamas. Forestry officials have assigned fire lookouts to monitor the area in case there is re-ignition.