**Title: Three Fires in Three Days in Mathiatis-Sia Area**
In a concerning trend, the Mathiatis-Sia area of Nicosia district has experienced three separate fires over the course of three days, raising alarms among local authorities and residents.
The most recent incident occurred just after midnight on Thursday, when a combine harvester parked in a field in the Petrokolymbia area of Sia caught fire. Firefighters responded promptly, bringing the blaze under control within half an hour. Their swift action prevented the fire from spreading to nearby vegetation, ensuring that the damage was contained.
This fire follows two other incidents in the area. On Tuesday, a fire ignited in the Pervolia area of Mathiatis at five minutes past midnight. The blaze was extinguished by 1:30 AM after consuming approximately one hectare of reeds and wild vegetation. A total of ten firefighters and four fire engines from the fire brigade and forestry department were deployed to manage the situation.
On Wednesday, another fire broke out in the Karaves area of Sia at 2:30 PM. This fire proved more extensive, burning around three hectares of pine trees and wild vegetation before it was contained by 3:10 PM. The firefighting effort involved a significant response, with 35 firefighters, seven fire engines, one water tanker, and two earth shifters from the forestry department. Additionally, the fire brigade contributed four firefighters and two fire engines. Local volunteers also participated in the firefighting efforts, bringing three tractors and two excavators to the scene.
Authorities have confirmed that the Wednesday fire originated from an oven, and the individual responsible has admitted to starting the fire. Legal proceedings are expected to follow.
As investigations into the causes of the fires continue, local officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity. The recent spate of fires has raised concerns about fire safety in the region, particularly during the dry season when vegetation is more susceptible to ignition.
The community is reminded to adhere to fire safety guidelines and to take precautions to prevent accidental fires, especially in rural areas where the risk can be elevated.