**Title: Forestry Chief Raises Alarm Over Possible Arson in Paphos Fires**
Repeated incidents of wildfires in the Paphos region have sparked concerns of potential arson, according to Savvas Ezekiel, the director of the forestry department. On Sunday, he reported that two fires ignited in the village of Lysos on Saturday, approximately 500 meters apart, raising suspicions of deliberate acts.
The first fire erupted around 4 PM in the Potamoudes area, consuming approximately seven hectares of land before being contained by 6 PM. Shortly thereafter, a second fire ignited in the Mersinia area, prompting further investigation into the cause.
Forestry department spokesman Glafkos Kyriakou stated that the proximity and timing of the two incidents suggest a "malicious act." Ezekiel elaborated on the situation, noting that these recent fires are part of a troubling trend of recurrent incidents in the region, particularly between the areas of Droushia and Prodromos, as well as in Skoulli and now Lysos.
Ezekiel expressed his concern over the frequency of these occurrences, stating, “We cannot have five fires starting from Drouseia to Prodromos as consecutive incidents. The phenomenon in this ‘triangle’ occurs every year. Why does it happen every year? Something is up and we must identify it.” He emphasized the need for a thorough investigation into these patterns, indicating that he plans to present proposals regarding the area in upcoming meetings.
While the investigation into the fires in Lysos is ongoing, Ezekiel refrained from providing specific details, only confirming that “the case is being investigated.” He also cautioned that, despite recent rainfall in parts of the mountainous areas, the risk of major wildfires remains elevated.
The forestry department is maintaining a heightened state of alert as they continue to monitor the situation and work towards identifying the causes of these recurrent fires. The community remains on edge as the investigation unfolds, with residents hopeful for answers and preventive measures to address the alarming trend of fires in the region.