Authorities investigate large number of rural fires in Paphos

Authorities are investigating 12 fires that broke out almost simultaneously in remote areas in the Paphos district on Sunday, with preliminary findings suggesting that these were not coincidental but deliberate, fire services spokesman Andreas Kettis told the state broadcaster on Monday.

Kettis would not speculate further as inquiries are still underway, but said it was obvious based on initial assessments that these were the result of arson.

He repeatedly a plea to the public to report anything suspicious, noting that input from the public has been instrumental in responding rapidly to outbreaks and to investigations.

The fires broke out in rural areas of six communities and were fanned by strong winds, making fire responders’ task more difficult. No homes or other buildings were threatened, but large tracts of land with bushes and dry wild vegetation were burnt.

The fire service and forestry department remain on alert to prevent any flare ups.

Fire fighters remained on the spot throughout the night for five of the fires, the Cyprus News Agency reported. Officers from the forestry department were also on location at Akoursos and Psathi while work is underway with bulldozers.

The toll from the fires is five hectares burned at Kili/Akoursos, two hectares in Polemi, eight hectares in Psathi and Ayios Demetrianos, eight hectares in Amargeti and Lemona, and one square kilometre in the Marathovouno area of Kathikas/Stroumbi.

The two fires in the Choletria-Nata-Ayia Varvara areas, as well as in Yiolou and Kelokedara, where smaller tracts of land were burnt, have been completely extinguished.

All fires broke out in areas with ‘zero accessibility’ for ground fire fighters, the fire service said.

Fire fighters from Paphos, Limassol and Larnaca as well as Emak, the fire service disaster response unit, responded to the fires. They were assisted by police, the forestry department with ground forces and four fire fighting aircraft, Paphos district office, local authorities and the British bases with two fire-fighting helicopters.