Suspected arsonist arrested in Tylliria fire

Police arrested a 35-year-old man suspected of arson in a large forest fire in Tylliria that was put out after midnight, while planes from Greece and Israel are on standby.

The fire started Thursday around 7pm in Ayia Paraskevi and quickly spread to Floudi, between Pano Pyrgos and Stavros tis Psokas in the Tylliria region.

Strong winds made the task for some 250 fire fighters and forestry officials very difficult, while two planes and two helicopters took part in the operation before sundown.

Fire Department spokesperson Andreas Kettis told Kathimerini Cyprus that officials are flying drones over the area to get a better picture of the affected area.

A total of about 30 hectares were burned down during the fire.

Officials are constructing firebreaks around the affected area to prevent any spread of fire in case of a re-ignition.

Fire fighters in the north are also taking measures in case a fire spreads in the wider area, while planes from Greece and Israel landed in the Republic of Cyprus Friday morning as a precaution.

A 35-year-old Tylliria resident was arrested early Friday morning around 5am in connection with the fire, which is believed to be the result of arson.

Authorities believe there are signs of arson, however, the exact causes for the fire are still under investigation.

The suspect will appear before a judge on Friday.