**Fire Near Illegal Dump in Kallepia Burns Ten Hectares**
A significant fire broke out on Tuesday afternoon in the Paphos district of Cyprus, specifically in a steep area near Kallepia. The blaze consumed approximately ten hectares of dry grass, wild vegetation, and waste materials before it was brought under control.
The fire brigade received the emergency call at 6:20 PM and promptly dispatched four fire engines to the scene. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the flames, successfully bringing the situation under control by 7:51 PM.
In addition to the fire brigade, several local entities contributed to the firefighting efforts. The Kallepia community council, the game fund, and volunteer groups such as Atlas and Blue Heart were all involved in combating the fire. While the air firefighting squadron was placed on alert, aerial assistance was ultimately deemed unnecessary.
Preliminary investigations by the fire brigade suggest that the fire originated near a rural road adjacent to an illegal dump site. The presence of waste materials in the area may have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames.
The incident was part of a busy day for the fire brigade, which responded to a total of 32 calls for assistance between 6 AM on Tuesday and 6 AM on Wednesday. This included 15 fire-related calls, 14 requests for special services, and three false alarms.
Authorities are continuing to monitor the situation and investigate the cause of the fire. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding illegal dumping practices and their potential risks to the environment and public safety.