Newsroom
A fire that broke out on Tuesday afternoon northwest of the Ergates Industrial Area in Nicosia was brought under control after a large-scale response involving firefighters, aircraft and several government services.
The blaze was first reported at around 4:30pm, burning dry grass, wild vegetation and reeds in a riverbed. Four staffed fire engines from Nicosia fire stations were dispatched, supported by personnel from the Forestry Department, the Game and Fauna Service and organised volunteer groups. Two bulldozers and a water tanker provided by the District Administration also joined the operation.
Firefighting aircraft were deployed early in the response, with two initially operating over the area and two more placed into action as crews worked to contain the flames.
By the time the fire was under control, approximately seven hectares had been burned. The affected area included dry grass, wild vegetation and olive trees, while several premises containing old, immobilised vehicles and machinery also sustained damage.
The fire also caused minor damage to a nearby photovoltaic park.
The firefighting effort was coordinated from the Operations Centre by the Chief Fire Officer and the Head of the Operations Centre, working alongside the Assistant District Officer of Nicosia Fire Stations, who directed operations on the ground.
Authorities will carry out a full assessment of the damage now that the operation has ended. The cause of the fire is being investigated by the Fire Service in cooperation with the Police.
