Remand after fires in Pyrgos (updated)

A 26-year-old man was remanded for five days by Limassol district court on Sunday after fires started at two different points in the village of Pyrgos on Saturday night.

At around 9.40pm information was received that two fires had broken out 400m apart among dried vegetation in the Limassol village.

The fire, which was put out by the fire brigade, burnt three hectares of wild plants and forest land.

During investigations, evidence was given that a car was seen moving suspiciously in the area at the time the fires broke out.

The car was later found in the village and was stopped for a check.

The car was driven by the 26-year-old and in it was found a box of solid fuel and some matches.

The suspect was taken to Limassol CID where he reportedly admitted to lighting the fires.

Six people and three fire engines of the forestry department in addition to 15 people and four engines of the fire service, two people from the Game and Wildlife service and local volunteers were needed to put out the fire.