Cyprus authorities have raised their state of alert following a series of fires in Paphos district on Saturday, alongside reports of suspicious activity in Menoiko and Oroklini, at a time when the risk of wildfires breaking out and spreading remains at "red alert" level.
Five fires raise suspicion of malicious intent
Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis said that, in addition to five consecutive forest fires along the road from Prodromi to Arodes, where there are serious suspicions of malicious action, the authorities are also examining incidents in other areas.
Πέραν των ανακοινώσεων του Τμήματος Δασών για την εκδήλωση διαδοχικά πέντε εστιών δασικών πυρκαγιών στο δρόμο Προδρόμι προς Αρόδες, στην επαρχία Πάφου και τις σοβαρές υποψίες για κακόβουλες ενέργειες η Πυροσβεστική Υπηρεσία αναφέρει ότι τόσο στην περιοχή Μενοίκου που εκδηλώθηκε…
— Andreas Kettis (@akettis) August 1, 2026
The Fire Service specifically pointed to a fire that broke out in the Menoiko area, while a report from a member of the public in Oroklini prompted particular mobilisation. According to the information passed to the Fire Service, individuals were spotted in the Oroklini area engaging in suspicious behaviour and allegedly attempting to deliberately start a fire.
Following these developments, the Fire Service has stepped up its patrols, while all relevant evidence has been forwarded to Police for further investigation.
The Fire Service is urging the public to remain vigilant and to immediately report any suspicious movements or actions that could be linked to an intent to start a fire, contacting the service or their nearest police station.
"Red alert" to continue into Sunday
Concern has deepened further after the Forestry Department confirmed that the risk of wildfires breaking out and spreading will remain at "red alert" level on Sunday as well.
The Forestry Department reiterated that starting a fire is a criminal offence carrying strict penalties, and issued a strong appeal to the public to exercise particular caution and avoid any action or activity that could cause a fire.
It also called on citizens who notice smoke or fire to immediately alert the relevant authorities, by calling 1407 for the Forestry Department or 112 for the Fire Service.
