Lagia fire partially under control, Tseri also under control (Update 2)

Firefighters were battling a blaze in an inaccessible area in Lagia in the Larnaca district on Sunday which burned around four hectares of dry grass and other vegetation in two hours.

It was brought partially under control around 4pm, the fire service said.

Five trucks from the fire department and seven from the forestry department were involved in the effort to bring the fire under control but were hampered earlier by strong winds.

In addition, all four firefighting aircraft from the forestry department were assisting. These were withdrawn after the fire was brought partially under control and ground forces, assisted by the game service and local volunteers remain in the area until the fire is extinguished.

“The fire was stopped before it spread to a forest area,” the department said.

The aircraft were directed to a fire that broke out in Pano Pyrgos Tyllirias, assisted by two fire engines. This fire was also put out quickly.

Four fire trucks were also sent to Tseri in the Nicosia district where a fire broke out on dry grass.

“Efforts are being made to protect homes,” the department said. The fire was brought under control around 5pm after it burned four hectares of vegetation and olive trees. Tractors were deployed to protect residences.

Firefighters will remain there until the blaze is extinguished.