Firefighters battle blaze in Limassol amid strong winds

A fire broke out at noon on Friday in the area of Agios Sylas in Limassol, fueled by dry grass and wild vegetation and exacerbated by strong winds.

According to Fire Service spokesperson Mr. Andreas Kettis, the firefighting forces have been reinforced with 10 vehicles from the Fire Service across Limassol, Larnaca, Paphos, and Nicosia, along with the Emergency Response Unit (ERU). Additionally, two Forestry Department vehicles, two earth movers, an excavator, a tanker from the District Administration, and various volunteer groups including Support Cy, Kitas Weather, ETEA, and SOS, are assisting in the efforts. The British Bases have also deployed two helicopters to aid in controlling the fire. Premises in the vicinity are being protected as the fire spreads.

Earlier updates indicated that three air assets and four Fire Department vehicles had initially been deployed to combat the blaze.

Meanwhile, the Fire Service is also addressing a separate fire in Choirokoitia, which is burning through reeds, dry grasses, and wild vegetation. Two fire engines, one from the Forestry Department, and one from the Thera Service are on the scene.

The situation remains dynamic as firefighting efforts continue.