Firefighters bring Pachna-Kivides blaze under control (Update)

A fire that broke out earlier on Monday afternoon in an area near the villages of Pachna and Kivides has been brought under control.

According to Fire Brigade spokesman Andreas Kettis, firefighting forces continue with fire containment to deal with any rekindling due to the winds blowing in the area.

The fire, for which firefighters from Limassol, Paphos, Larnaca and the British Bases were mobilised, burned about seven hectares of dry grass, wild vegetation and trees.

Kettis said the fire broke out on two fronts – on the side of a mountain and at part of the river-bed crossing the area – which was hard to access.

Seven fire vehicles from the fire department, two from the forestry department, two from the British bases and one from the game and fauna service were sent to the scene.

Four aircraft from the forestry department and a wheel loader from the game and fauna service were also used, it was reported.

In addition, a helicopter from the British bases was also dispatched.

Firefighting forces will remain on site throughout the night.

The cause of the fire is being investigated in cooperation with the police.