The deadly Limassol fire that has destroyed entire communities since it started on Wednesday afternoon, is suspected to be the result of arson, according to Fire Service officials.
The blaze has also completely destroyed a historic church and forced 50 evacuees to spend the night in an emergency shelter, while two bodies have been discovered.
Chief Fire Officer Nicos Logginos told state radio that eyewitnesses who called the Fire Service saw the fire start from two points, 100 metres apart from each other, specifically beneath a bridge where there is a rubbish dump.
He said he has already provided evidence to police for investigation of the case.
Logginos rejected claims of delay and negligence, stating that a fully staffed fire engine reached the fire scene six minutes after the service received the call. He added that the situation with the fire remains extremely difficult as active fronts persist.
The Church of Saint John the Russian in Vouni was completely destroyed in the blaze, which is a significant cultural loss for the affected communities.
Fifty fire victims spent the night at Trimiklini Primary School after initially 120 people were transferred there for emergency accommodation. Early this morning, relatives arrived and transferred them to Limassol.
The road to Agios Ambrosios from Agios Therapon remains closed due to a fallen electricity pole, adding to infrastructure disruption across the fire-affected region.
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