Ground and air crews battle forest fire near Kathikas, Paphos

A fire that broke out on Saturday at 3pm near the village of Kathikas in Paphos was still not under control three hours later, authorities said.

Crews from the forestry department and fire service with helicopters were battling the blaze but were being hampered by strong winds.

The fire was threatening state forest areas near the Akamas.

Reports said that both he agriculture minister and the head of the forestry department were heading to the area.

Authorities said crews were working hard to extinguish the fire, while the Icaros 2 Plan, which involves aerial operations, had been activated, with eight firefighting aircraft drafted in to fight the fire.