A forest fire was burning out of control this afternoon on the outskirts of the Kathikas and Akoursos communities in the Paphos district.
According to a Forestry Department statement, the blaze broke out at 10.20 this morning and was now pushing through wild shrubbery and dry bushes within a square kilometre radius.
Strong winds in the area were fanning the flames and ground fire fighting forces made up of 30 people in eight vehicles, were battling to prevent the outbreak from spreading and creating a containment zone.
Aerial support is facilitating the effort, with local authorities also assisting.
The cause of the fire remains unknown.
A second fire is also burning out of control in rural in a ravine between the Koili and Stroumpi communities of rural Paphos, with the fire service, which has responded with seven vehicles, calling additional forces to the area from Limassol, arnaca, Nicosia and Famagusta.
Civil service forces have been placed on alert for the possible evacuation of villages, as strong winds are once again hampering fire fighting efforts.