Forest department issues code red

The forest department has issued a Code Red warning citizens to abstain from any activity that could cause a fire, as incidents continue to pop up across the island.

According to the Cyprus News Agency, the Department of Forests remained in Code Red on Tuesday due to high risks of forest fires.

The department issued a statement calling on citizens to abstain from any activities that could cause a fire.

In a video on Facebook, the department reminded members of the public to keep matches and lighters away from children and also remove shrubs and wild vegetation from house yards.

“As the summer gets closer, the risk of a fire also increases, so be prepared the right way,” the department wrote.

But reports earlier, including comments on state radio, pointed to discourteous drivers who throw lit cigarettes out of their moving vehicles.

A radio commentator told her audience on Tuesday morning that she had witnessed a similar case, urging people to take down licence plates and report them to police.

Police told Knews that concerned citizens can file such complaints and officers will have to investigate. In some cases in the past, police have been known to contact alleged violators to give them a warning, while official guidelines require citizens to file a formal complaint in order for an investigation to take place.

Several fires broke out this week across Cyprus, with reports saying origins of several fires occurred at roadside locations.

Many fires have been reported this week near built-up areas, with flames coming very close or even entering yards of local residences.

On Tuesday morning, a fire broke out in the Sopaz area in east Nicosia, with the blaze coming very close to homes and a special education school.

There were no reports of any injuries, while at least one vehicle was completely destroyed. Fire department officials and police are investigating the incident.