Newsroom
Two forest fires in the Lysos community of Paphos district were brought under control on Saturday after burning around 7 hectares of agricultural and wild vegetation.
The first fire was reported at around 3:50pm in the Potamoudes area. Firefighting crews managed to contain it by 5:45pm, after a large operation involving personnel and equipment from several government services.
The Department of Forests deployed 57 personnel and 11 firefighting vehicles, while the Fire Service sent 12 personnel and five vehicles. Civil Defence contributed 10 personnel and a firefighting vehicle, with two Game and Fauna Service officers also taking part.
Heavy machinery was brought in to assist ground crews, including six earth-moving machines, two agricultural tractors, a water tanker and an excavator.
Aerial firefighting resources were also used. Four helicopters and four aircraft operated over the fire, supported by a coordination helicopter, after the IKAROS II plan was activated.
A second fire was reported at about 5:45pm in the Mersinia area, roughly 500 metres from the first incident. Forestry crews responded quickly and contained the flames before they could spread significantly.
Authorities are investigating the possibility that both fires were deliberately caused. The exact circumstances behind the two incidents have not yet been established.
Dr Savvas Iezekiel coordinated the firefighting operation.
Because of the size of the fire front and the proximity to the community, preparations were also made for a precautionary evacuation of Lysos. The authorities took the necessary steps as a safety measure while crews worked to contain the flames.
Forestry Department urges caution
The Department of Forests has urged members of the public to exercise extreme caution, particularly during the summer fire season.
It said its personnel remain on high alert for fires both in forest areas and near populated communities, while stressing that preventing fires is a responsibility shared by everyone.
The department also warned against behaviour that could accidentally start a fire, including discarding lit cigarettes on the ground. Such actions can quickly lead to serious damage to forest areas, it said.
