Fire near Alassa burned two square kilometres of vegetation (Updated)

A fire service that broke out in the area next to Alassa village near the Kouris dam in Limassol in the early afternoon on Saturday was bought under control some five hours later after it had burned two square kilometers of dry grasses, wild vegetation and a number of trees, the fire service said.

Firefighters remained in the area to completely extinguish the blaze and monitor the area in case it re-ignited due to strong winds in the area.

“Firefighting forces will remain and work where and where needed throughout the night,” a spokesman said.

According to spokesman Andreas Kettis, the fire broke out shortly after 2pm on Saturday.

Fire engines from Limassol, Nicosia and Paphos, search and rescue team Emak and the Forestry Department went to the area.

In addition, an earth mover and a water tanker from the local administration also aided the efforts.

From the air, three aircraft and two leased helicopters were mobilised. The firefighting effort was bolstered by the addition of two helicopters from the British bases.