Four firefighting aircraft battled a wildfire that broke out north-west of the Ergates industrial area in Nicosia district on Tuesday, where a number of abandoned old vehicles, machinery and structures were affected by the blaze before it was brought under control.
Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis said the fire burned through dry grass, wild vegetation, and olive trees, prompting a major firefighting response.
Fire under control
The operation was significantly reinforced and involved four firefighting aircraft, eight fully staffed Fire Service engines, three vehicles from the Department of Forests, a portable firefighting unit from the Game and Fauna Service, two water tankers and two bulldozers from the Nicosia District Administration, as well as organised volunteer groups.
During the firefighting effort, Kettis said a number of abandoned old vehicles and buildings were affected by the flames. He added that the full extent of the damage would be assessed once the fire had been completely contained.
In a later update posted shortly after 6pm, Kettis confirmed that the wildfire had been brought under control after burning a total of seven hectares.
Cause under investigation
He said the affected premises contained old immobilised vehicles and disused machinery. A nearby photovoltaic park also sustained minor damage.
According to Kettis, the Chief Fire Officer and the head of the Operations Centre coordinated the response from the Fire Service's Operations Centre, while the Assistant Nicosia District Fire Officer directed firefighting operations on the ground.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation by the Fire Service in cooperation with the police.
Source: CNA
