Two forest fires broke out in the community of Lyso, in the Paphos district, on Saturday afternoon, both of which were brought under full control within hours by firefighting crews from multiple services.
First fire in Potamoudes
The first fire broke out at 15:50 on Saturday in the "Potamoudes" area of Lyso, according to an announcement by the Forestry Department. It was brought under full control by 17:45.
The blaze burned an area of approximately 7 hectares, covered by agricultural and forest wild vegetation.
Firefighting operation
The operation to extinguish the fire involved 57 personnel from the Forestry Department with 11 firefighting vehicles, 12 personnel from the Fire Service with 5 vehicles, 10 personnel from Civil Defence with 1 vehicle, and 2 personnel from the Game and Fauna Service with 1 vehicle.
The ground operation was further supported by 6 bulldozers, 2 agricultural tractors, 1 water tanker and 1 excavator.
The "Ikaros 2" Plan, covering the deployment of aerial firefighting resources, was also activated. A total of 9 aircraft belonging to the Republic of Cyprus took part in the operation.
The firefighting effort was coordinated by the Director of the Forestry Department, Dr Savvas Iezekiel.
Second fire in Mersinia
A second fire broke out in the "Mersinia" area, roughly 500 metres from the boundary of the first fire, at around 17:45. Thanks to the swift intervention of Forestry Department firefighting forces, it was brought under full control before it could spread further.
Cause under investigation
The causes of both fires are under investigation, according to the announcement.
