Man arrested over Nicosia fire

A 33-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of starting a fire in Analiontas village on Wednesday that burned about two square kilometres of dry grass and wild vegetation.

Authorities were notified about the Nicosia-based fire near Kapedes around 12.15pm.

Six fire engines from Nicosia fire stations and 13 fire engines from the forestry department arrived at the scene.

Efforts to extinguish the fire were also supported by three aircrafts and a police helicopter.

After the Analiontas fire was put out, authorities started investigations and found it had originated on a plot of land in Kapedes that belongs to the 33-year-old man.

Officers found a metal cutting machine and cut iron bars inside a small makeshift structure situated on the plot.

A police spokewoman told the Cyprus Mail early on Thursday that authorities suspect the fire might have started from the sparks from cutting the metal.

Two cannabis plants were also found in the premises, police added.

The man is investigated for causing a forest fire, illegal cannabis cultivation and drug possession.