‘, All we see is black,’ Paphos residents mourn fire destruction (Update 4)

‘, All we see is black,’ Paphos residents mourn fire destruction (Update 4)

Firefighters were battling ‘continuous and intense’ flare-ups between the communities of Polemi and Kourdaka, fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis said on Wednesday afternoon.The fire that broke out on Tuesday near Polemi is estimated to have destroyed eight square kilometres of land, including houses and animal farms. “The flare ups are being dealt with. Ground forces … Read more

Paphos District Organisation President calls blaze a tragedy

Paphos District Organisation President calls blaze a tragedy

Charalambos Pittokopitis, the newly elected President of the Paphos Provincial Autonomy Organisation, described a wildfire engulfing a large area of Paphos as a “tragedy.” Pitokopis said he visited the firefront, speaking with the Director of the Department of Forests. He questioned why the Director, an experienced firefighting professional, was at the Crisis Management Centre in … Read more

Police arrest 74 yr old suspect for Farmakas blaze

Police arrest 74 yr old suspect for Farmakas blaze

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.

Firefighters battling two blazes in Nicosia district

Firefighters battling two blazes in Nicosia district

Two fires broke out in the Nicosia district on Monday afternoon. One fire started in the community of Gourri at 2pm, while the second fire broke out at the Xyliatos dam at 3pm. Firefighting forces, helicopters, and aircraft from various agencies are working to extinguish the blazes.

Agios Sylas fire front improving, authorities say [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

Agios Sylas fire front improving, authorities say [PHOTOS+VIDEO]

A fire broke out in the Agios Sylas area of Limassol, prompting a large operation by the Fire Service and other services to contain it. Efforts are ongoing for complete containment, with the situation having significantly improved. Civil Defence evacuated residences, businesses, and livestock farms in the Polemidia area. Three aircraft and multiple firefighting teams were deployed to combat the blaze, with ground forces creating firebreaks despite strong winds. The Minister of Justice and Public Order oversaw operations at the forward command centre, and the Limassol-Troodos Road has been reopened. Drivers are urged to exercise caution in the area.

Multiple fires erupt in Limassol [PHOTOS]

Multiple fires erupt in Limassol [PHOTOS]

Firefighters in Limassol battled two separate blazes on Friday afternoon, one in Agios Sylas and the other in Choirokitia. The larger fire required four engines and three aircraft to combat, while strong winds hindered containment efforts. Ten fire engines from various districts, along with additional specialized vehicles and firefighting teams, responded to the emergencies.

Fire service responds to 31 incidents in 24 hours

Fire service responds to 31 incidents in 24 hours

Fire crews responded to a total of 31 incidents in a 24-hour period, including 22 fires. One significant blaze engulfed the enclosed balcony of a third-floor apartment in Nicosia, causing extensive damage. Another fire occurred in a prefabricated building in Athienou, spreading to a kitchen and parking area. Lastly, firefighters extinguished a car fire involving a Nissan vehicle on the Paphos-Chada road, which also scorched a nearby patch of dry grass. The cause of each fire is under investigation.

Fire in Liopetri burns one hectare of unharvested crops

Fire in Liopetri burns one hectare of unharvested crops

A fire broke out in Liopetri, in the Famagusta district, burning one hectare of unharvested crops and wild vegetation. It took three fire trucks and five firefighters 45 minutes to extinguish the blaze. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and arson has not been ruled out.

Firefighters contain blaze in Limassol cinema [VIDEO]

Firefighters contain blaze in Limassol cinema [VIDEO]

A large fire broke out in a derelict cinema in Limassol, with four fire engines and a telescopic arm vehicle deployed to contain the blaze. The firefighters were able to prevent the fire from spreading to surrounding buildings, although the cinema’s roof collapsed. Nearby residents were safely evacuated, and roads leading to the cinema were closed for safety. No injuries have been reported, and the cause of the fire is still being investigated.

Western Canada blazes cause evacuations, air quality concerns

Western Canada blazes cause evacuations, air quality concerns

First major wildfires of the season have spread to roughly 10,000 hectares across Western Canada. Evacuation orders issued for communities in British Columbia due to poor air quality. Residents in Northern Rockies Regional Municipality and Fort Nelson First Nations evacuated as blaze nearly doubled in size. Fire in Fort McMurray, an oil hub, was tamed by favorable weather. Alberta recorded 43 active fires, including one near Fort McMurray. Fire started by fallen tree on power line. Evacuation alerts in place for several communities as precaution. Smoke in Fort McMurray from fires in British Columbia. Environment Canada issued special air quality statement for several provinces. Canada warned of “catastrophic” wildfire season ahead due to warm winter and ongoing drought.