**Police Investigate Suspected Arson Following Fires in Paphos**
Paphos, Cyprus – Authorities have initiated an investigation into two separate fires that occurred in the village of Lysos on Saturday, amid rising concerns from the forestry department that these incidents may have been intentionally set. The investigation was prompted by remarks from Savvas Ezekiel, the director of the forestry department, who expressed alarm over the frequency of fires in the Paphos region, suggesting a potential pattern of arson.
The first fire ignited in the Potamoudes area at approximately 4 PM, rapidly consuming around seven hectares of land before firefighters managed to bring it under control by 6 PM. Shortly after, a second fire erupted in the nearby Mersinia area, with both incidents occurring roughly 500 meters apart. Glafkos Kyriakou, a spokesperson for the forestry department, indicated that the proximity and timing of the fires suggest they may be the result of a deliberate act.
Ezekiel highlighted that these incidents are part of a troubling trend, noting that there have been multiple fires reported in recent years in the vicinity, particularly between the villages of Droushia and Prodromos, as well as in Skoulli. He remarked, “We cannot have five fires starting from Droushia to Prodromos as consecutive incidents. The phenomenon in this ‘triangle’ that I mentioned to you occurs every year. Why does it happen every year? Something is up and we must identify it.”
The director's comments underscore the urgency of the investigation, as he called for a more thorough examination of the area. Ezekiel also mentioned his intention to propose measures aimed at addressing the recurring issue in future meetings.
As the investigation unfolds, local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that may be linked to the fires. The forestry department and police are working collaboratively to determine the causes of the recent blazes and to prevent further incidents in the region.
The ongoing investigation reflects broader concerns regarding fire safety and environmental protection in Cyprus, particularly during the dry summer months when the risk of wildfires typically escalates. The community is encouraged to cooperate with officials as they seek to ensure the safety of both residents and the natural landscape of Paphos.