A 74-year-old man was arrested by police on suspicion of causing a fire in Farmakas that burned 15 hectares of trees and dry brush, requiring the intervention of four helicopters, a plane, and 21 fire trucks to extinguish.
A fire was raging in Limassol’s Gerasa area on Tuesday, with three fire fighting aircraft and four fire trucks deployed to the scene. The fire is affecting the Apsiou and Gerasa area. Another fire in Ayios Sylas’ area last week was attributed to an arson attack.
Fact: Cyprus is among the EU countries with the lowest performance in the time required to resolve civil cases.
Dozens of animals were burned alive in the Ayios Sylas fire, with a livestock farm and fenced compound being burned down. The fire has been described as a blatant arson attack, and police operations to track down suspects are underway.
Two fires in Limassol, one near Agios Silas and the other in Agios Therapon, are believed to have been deliberately set according to Nikos Logginos, Chief Firefighter. Arson is suspected in both incidents, with Logginos stating that the fires were intentionally started to cause destruction. Firefighting efforts were challenged by rugged terrain and strong winds, but firefighters were able to protect homes and prevent the fire from spreading towards Palodia. Forces will remain in the area to address any potential flare-ups in the coming days.
– Fires broke out in Limassol’s Ayios Sylas and Ayios Therapondas were confirmed to be arson attacks by fire services chief Nikos Longinos.
– Two small businesses were burned to the ground in the area.
– The goal of the fire services was to protect homes and save lives.
– Three aircraft, including two helicopters from Jordan, were called in to help fight the fires.
– 10 fire trucks from Larnaca, Paphos, and Nicosia were on the scene.
Dimitris Andronikou, also known as “Dimitroui,” passed away at Nicosia General Hospital after being shot three times in an attempted attack. He had been in critical condition since the incident on April 23 in Anthoupoli. Andronikou was visiting friends detained as suspects in the arson of two betting shops in Nicosia when the attack occurred.
A fire occurred at the Nicosia racecourse on Sunday, with police suspecting it was deliberately started at the transmission tower. Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause.
The dry winter in Cyprus is leading to a dangerous fire season, with 92% of fires caused by human activity. The fire seasons are growing longer due to climate change, but efforts in prevention and coordination are helping to keep fires at bay. The unpredictability of fire behavior due to environmental factors makes fighting fires more challenging. The government is implementing additional measures to prevent and contain fires.
– A difficult summer is expected due to the dry winter, according to fire services’ spokesman Andreas Kettis.
– Human activity is to blame in over 92% of fire cases.
– The fire prevention season was expected to start earlier this year.
– Stricter penalties have been recently introduced regarding fires and their causes.