Two forest fires caused by lightning strikes were brought under full control on Friday shortly after breaking out, the forestry department said.

In a statement, the department said the first fire erupted at around 10.25am in the Karvounas area.

The fire was spotted by a passing citizen, while 13 forestry department personnel with two fire engines were deployed to tackle the blaze.

Thanks to the immediate response of firefighting teams, the blaze was contained by 10.40am before it could spread.

A second fire broke out at around 10.50am in the “Lachani” area of Evrychou. It was brought under control within ten minutes, again without spreading.

In this case, five forestry department personnel and one fire engine responded to the incident, which was detected by a tractor operator from the department carrying out forestry work in the area.

Authorities said both fires were caused by lightning strikes and highlighted the importance of rapid response in preventing their spread.

lightning, rain, forestry department, forest fire, lightning strike