Newsroom
A wildfire that broke out near the Stavrovouni State Forest on Tuesday afternoon was brought under control within 40 minutes, preventing damage to the protected woodland.
According to the Department of Forests, the fire started at 4:50pm on the edge of the state forest within the administrative boundaries of Anglisides village, placing the forest at immediate risk.
Firefighters had the blaze fully contained by 5:30pm. The affected area covered four decares, or about 4,000 square metres, consisting of agricultural land and low wild vegetation.
The firefighting operation involved 30 members of the Department of Forests with nine fire engines and a bulldozer. They were joined by 10 firefighters from the Fire Service using three fire engines, while a private excavator, a private agricultural tractor and volunteers also assisted.
Five aircraft operated by the Republic of Cyprus took part in the firefighting effort from the air.
Preliminary information from the authorities indicates that the fire began during beekeeping work.
