Authorities on Tuesday evacuated the small community of Akoursos in Paphos after a large fire broke out in the area.

The fire, between Akoursos and Peyia, started in rugged terrain at around 4pm.It burned in three fronts, one threatening some dwellings in Akoursos.

Ground and air forces managed to bring the fire under control three to four hours later after it burning half a square kilometre of wild shrub and olive and carob trees.

Earlier, the civil defence evacuated Akoursos, home to around 60 permanent residents, as the fire approached the village. The residents have returned to their homes as firefighting forces remain in the area as a precaution.