The cause of a fire that broke out yesterday, shortly before 3pm, in the Pissouri area and put fire services on alert is being investigated by members of the Police and the Fire Service. Evidence so far indicates that the fire appears to have started from the edge of the motorway.
Scale of the damage
According to a statement from the Fire Service, the fire burned four hectares of dry grass, wild vegetation, piles of rubbish and waste material in a ravine, as well as a number of trees. It was brought under full control at 7:05pm.
Response effort
Eight fire engines from Limassol Fire Stations worked to extinguish the blaze. Individual residences were at risk and were protected during the operation.
The Fire Service was supported by the British Bases, the Department of Forests, Civil Defence, the Game and Fauna Service, the Limassol District Administration, the Pissouri Community Council and volunteer groups. Police temporarily closed a section of the motorway, which was reopened to traffic once conditions were deemed safe for passing drivers.
In addition, five firefighting aircraft carried out successive water drops and were released once the drops were completed and the fire was brought under control. Firefighting forces remained at the scene throughout the night to complete extinguishing efforts and deal with any flare-ups.
Investigation ongoing
According to the Fire Service, the fire appears to have started from the edge of the motorway, while the causes remain under investigation, in cooperation with the Police.
