Newsroom
A fire broke out near the Limassol community of Arsos on Monday afternoon, burning through dry grass, wild vegetation and trees as strong winds affected the area.
Four aircraft were deployed to assist ground crews battling the blaze, while three fire engines from rural Limassol stations and three rented bulldozers were sent to the scene.
The Department of Forests was also called in to support the operation, with the Game and Fauna Service and organised volunteer groups joining the response.
Additional firefighting personnel are being brought in from other parts of Limassol as efforts continue to contain the fire.
Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis said personnel were also being recalled to ensure adequate staffing remains available to cover the city of Limassol.
The fire has also involved the Greek firefighting mission currently stationed in Cyprus. According to Department of Forests spokesperson Glafkos Kyriakou, Monday's incident marks the first time the Greek team has taken part in an active fire since arriving on the island for its 15-day deployment.
The Greek mission is scheduled to return to Greece on September 16.
