A fire broke out on Monday afternoon in an area near the community of Arsos in Limassol district, prompting a major firefighting operation as strong winds in the area intensified the response.
According to Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis, the blaze is burning dry grass, wild vegetation and trees.
Three crewed fire engines from rural fire stations in the Limassol district initially responded to the fire, along with three hired earthmoving machines. The Department of Forests was called in to provide support, while the Game and Fauna Service and organised volunteer groups were also mobilised.
Ongoing operation
Firefighting forces are being further reinforced from Limassol, while personnel are being recalled to ensure staffing levels in the city are maintained.
Four aerial firefighting aircraft initially joined the operation. According to a later update from Kettis, the number of aircraft involved increased to five.
Civil Defence was also notified to deploy additional personnel, while the Fire Service Chief is at the Operations Coordination Centre at Police Headquarters overseeing the overall response.
The firefighting operation remains ongoing.
