Child accidentally starts fire in Limassol district, mother charged

Police are investigating a fire that broke out Monday afternoon in the Limassol district village of Souni-Zanakia, which consumed approximately five hectares of land, including pine trees and wild vegetation. The blaze also damaged a shelter, a generator, and a car owned by a 77-year-old resident.

The fire began around 11:00 a.m. near the residential area and quickly spread to the surrounding countryside. The Fire Service, Civil Defence, Limassol District Administration, and British Bases all responded to the scene to contain the blaze.

Initial investigations by police suggested that the fire was ignited by a child. The child's mother was initially questioned after reporting a vehicle leaving the area where the fire started. Upon further questioning, she admitted that her minor child had accidentally started the fire while playing with a lighter.

As a result, the mother was formally charged with providing false information to police and exposing her child to potential harm. The investigation into the incident is ongoing at the Episkopi Police Station.

Authorities are urging the public to exercise caution and ensure that children are supervised to prevent such accidents.