**Fires Burn Hectares Across Cyprus**
Cyprus has experienced a series of wildfires over the past 24 hours, resulting in the burning of approximately 2.9 hectares of land, according to the Cyprus Fire Service. The service reported responding to a total of 19 fire-related incidents between Monday and Tuesday, with notable occurrences in Pissouri, Ayios Ioannis Malountas, and Orounta.
The first significant fire ignited on Monday at around 10:20 AM in Pissouri, located in the Limassol district. The blaze erupted in dry vegetation near a residential area, prompting an immediate response from the fire service. Six fire engines, along with an earthmoving vehicle and a water tanker, were dispatched to combat the flames. By 12:30 PM, firefighters managed to bring the fire under full control, having contained the damage to approximately four acres of dry grass, wild vegetation, and several trees.
Later that day, at approximately 4:57 PM, another fire was reported in a challenging location near Ayios Ioannis Malountas in the Nicosia district. The fire service deployed three fire engines from the Nicosia district and an additional three from the forestry department. Their efforts were successful, and the fire was fully controlled by 5:50 PM, with around 1.5 hectares of wild vegetation affected.
A subsequent fire incident occurred in Orounta at 5:24 PM. Firefighters responded with a fire engine and a mobile firefighting unit, managing to bring the situation under control by 6:14 PM. Preliminary investigations suggest that this fire may have been ignited by sparks from electricity authority (EAC) cables.
In a separate incident early on Tuesday morning, at approximately 3:29 AM, firefighters were called to a fire involving two vehicles parked in the yard of a house in Amargeti, located in the Paphos district. The cause of this vehicle fire is currently under investigation.
The recent spate of fires highlights ongoing concerns about fire safety and prevention in Cyprus, especially during the dry season when conditions are ripe for wildfires. The Fire Service continues to urge residents to remain vigilant and report any signs of fire promptly to prevent further incidents.
As authorities work to assess the damage and investigate the causes of these fires, the community is reminded of the importance of fire safety measures, particularly in areas prone to wildfires.