**Fire at Abandoned House in Limassol Ruled as Arson**
A fire that erupted at an abandoned house in the Ayia Zoni area of Limassol on Sunday evening has been classified as arson, according to a statement from the local fire brigade on Monday. The incident occurred around 9:40 PM, prompting a rapid response from emergency services.
Two fire engines were dispatched to the scene, and firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control within approximately 18 minutes, extinguishing the flames by 9:58 PM. Despite their swift action, the fire caused significant damage to the interior of the abandoned structure, with its contents suffering extensive destruction due to the flames and heat.
In addition to the damage to the abandoned house, the fire also affected a neighboring property. Reports indicate that part of the pergola roof of the adjacent house sustained damage as a result of the fire's intensity.
The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but preliminary assessments suggest that it was deliberately set. Fire officials are continuing to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident to gather more information and identify any potential suspects.
This incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety and fire hazards in abandoned properties, which can pose risks not only to the structures themselves but also to nearby residences and the community at large. The local authorities are expected to take measures to address these issues and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
As investigations proceed, residents in the area are urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.