Fire raging in Paphos forest land under control (Update)

A fire which had raised fears it could become the worst in Cyprus’ history was put under control late on Monday night.

The blaze in Paphos forest land at the Elitzies area began at around 6:30pm.

Though statements shortly before midnight said the situation had been brought under control, Agriculture Minister Petros Xenophontos was at the forestry department’s control centre while the director of the forestry department Charalambos Alexandrou had gone to the scene.

Earlier in the afternoon, in statements to the Cyprus News Agency, forestry department spokesman George Constantinou had described it as a “very difficult” situation as the flames spread across cliffs, ravines and dense vegetation.

“The situation is very difficult because the fire broke out within the area of the Paphos forest,” he added.

Alexandrou told the state broadcaster that if the situation got out of hand, Cyprus would be looking at its worst possible fire in its history as the area is dense with vegetation.

Firefighters were expected to stay overnight at the scene to try and tackle the blaze. On the ground were forces from the forestry department, fire service and civil defence.

Shortly before midnight, Constantinou said the fire had become “manageable” with the weather conditions working in the department’s favour, aiding the fight against the flames.