A wildfire which broke out in the Ayia Anna area of Larnaca on Wednesday afternoon was brought fully under control after burning around six hectares of vegetation, the forestry department said.

The fire broke out at around 3pm in the bed of the Tremithos river, within the administrative boundaries of Agia Anna, and was brought fully under control at 5.30pm.

According to the forestry department, the blaze burned around six hectares of reeds, wild grasses and dry vegetation.

Strong ground and aerial forces were deployed to tackle the fire, including five firefighting aircraft.

The fire service supported the operation with three fire engines.

Forestry department forces at the scene included six fire engines, two water tankers and a bulldozer, with a total of 33 personnel involved in the operation.

A forestry department aerial operations coordination officer was also deployed to the area to coordinate the firefighting aircraft.

According to the forestry department, the fire was spotted by one of its fire lookout posts at 2.58pm.

Earlier fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis said in a post on X that “the fire was burning in an area of Kalo Chorio, Larnaca, through dry grass, reeds and wild vegetation.

Adding that the “fire service was supporting the operation with three crewed fire engines from Larnaca fire stations, as well as a hired bulldozer and water tanker”.