Teens remanded in Kiti arson case

Teens remanded in Kiti arson case

Three teenagers, two 14-year-olds and one 16-year-old, were remanded by the Larnaca district court for one day to assist in police investigations related to a case in Kiti involving malicious damage, conspiracy to commit a crime, public disturbance, unlawful assembly, rioting, theft, and illegal possession of explosive material.

Larnaca youths set fire to Briton’s house with firecrackers, damage fence [VIDEO]

Larnaca youths set fire to Briton’s house with firecrackers, damage fence [VIDEO]

A group of 70 youths attacked the home of a 73-year-old Briton in the Kiti area of Larnaca, setting off fireworks, causing fires, and damaging the property. The incident occurred after the youths were reported to be causing a disturbance by burning a bonfire pile. Police and Fire Service were called to the scene to control the situation and the youths also targeted the authorities with firecrackers before fleeing the scene.

Firefighters extinguish 120 blazes linked to lampratzia bonfires

Firefighters extinguish 120 blazes linked to lampratzia bonfires

Firefighters in Cyprus responded to 120 blazes in the last 24 hours, as residents lit traditional “lampratzia” bonfires. The fires were in different locations but were successfully contained, preventing serious damage to property and infrastructure.

Police tackle fireworks offences, delinquency during Easter weekend

Police tackle fireworks offences, delinquency during Easter weekend

Police in Cyprus responded to various incidents over the Easter weekend, including public nuisance complaints, firework and cracker offenses, and instances of youth delinquency. They collaborated with the Fire Service to tackle fires and confiscate illegal fireworks and crackers, with no reported injuries. Several individuals were arrested for possession of fireworks and crackers, including a 19-year-old in Nicosia, a 42-year-old woman with her child, a 49-year-old man with his child in Larnaca, and a 21-year-old man in Paphos. The most significant incident occurred in Kiti village, where youths caused a disturbance with a bonfire and set off crackers towards officers and a resident’s house, prompting Fire Service intervention. Despite police efforts to secure the area, the youths returned to cause further damage before fleeing.

Chios keeps tradition alive with thundering Easter rocket war [VIDEO]

Chios keeps tradition alive with thundering Easter rocket war [VIDEO]

Vrontados in Chios held its annual Easter rocket war tradition, where rival teams launched thousands of rockets in a spectacular display for 20,000 spectators. Volunteers ensured the event ran smoothly, with the Fire Service putting out minor fires and police managing traffic. The tradition ends with the cleanup of spent rocket casings until the next rocket war in 2025.

Public urged to remove bonfire materials

Public urged to remove bonfire materials

The Fire Service is urging the public and relevant services in Cyprus to remove piles of wood and useless materials that have accumulated for bonfires, as strong winds increase the risk of fires spreading horizontally and causing damage to structures, infrastructure, and people.

Easter bonfire , ‘high risk’ due to strong winds

Easter bonfire , ‘high risk’ due to strong winds

Strong winds across Cyprus pose a risk to homes, infrastructure, and human lives during the traditional bonfire on Easter Saturday.

Cabinet to decide on purchasing additional firefighting equipment

Cabinet to decide on purchasing additional firefighting equipment

The commencement of Phase II of the holistic system for fire prevention and crisis management is in an advanced stage, with proposals for necessary equipment procurement soon to be submitted for approval. 259 new firefighters are being recruited, and volunteer firefighters will assist during this year’s fire season. The Fire Service collaborates with CNP Insurance to raise awareness about fire prevention. The Minister highlighted the importance of protecting the environment from wildfires and mentioned the upgrading of Fire Stations and infrastructure as a top priority. Efforts to strengthen human resources in the Fire Service are continuous, with the recruitment process for new firefighters nearing completion. Neighbourhood Watch observers are called upon to assist in timely detection and notification of fires and reporting suspicious activities that may lead to wildfires.