Newsroom
Authorities have arrested a 32-year-old man in connection with a forest fire in the Platres-Troodos area, officials said.
The suspect was taken into custody under a court warrant following a tip from a citizen and has been placed in six-day detention while under investigation for arson and other offenses under the Forest Law.
Police said the man admitted being near the fire’s starting point but claimed he was walking in the area and discarded three extinguished cigarettes, denying any intent to start a fire. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and witness testimony to determine his role.
The fire occurred around 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 4, when a citizen driving along the Platres–Troodos road spotted flames on a slope covering three to four square meters. Acting quickly, the citizen exited the vehicle and extinguished the blaze before it could spread. Firefighters and Forest Department officials arrived shortly afterward.
Investigators determined the fire had been deliberately set. Solid fuel oil was recovered from the scene as evidence, police said.
