Fire Service and Department of Forests officials suspect arsonists deliberately started a fire in the Troodos region on Thursday evening, after discovering solid fuel at the scene.
The fire broke out at 9pm near Platres and was extinguished by a passing citizen before fire service vehicles from Moniatis arrived at the location. Police collected the flammable material for forensic examination.
Fire service and forestry department investigators found solid petroleum at the scene, providing strong evidence the fire was set maliciously, according to officials. The discovery immediately indicated arsonist activity, prompting authorities to contact police for evidence collection.
The incident has heightened concerns among fire service and forestry officials, who have received information about planned arsonist activities in the Limassol and Paphos regions. Recent fires have occurred during evening hours when human activity is minimal and in locations away from main roads, fire service sources confirmed.
Following Thursday’s incident, authorities have increased patrols in Troodos.
