Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis revealed that arson problems in mountainous Limassol have been known for years, as authorities continue battling a deadly wildfire that has killed two people and damaged hundreds of homes.
Police Thursday said they are investigating a case of arson and appealed to the public for information.
“We beg them to give us information and they don’t give it to us. They are closed communities, they know but no one is willing to give information to help both the Fire Service and the Police,” Kettis said, describing long-standing challenges in the region.
Fire Service rejects negligence claims
Speaking on CyBC television, Kettis rejected accusations of negligence in managing the wildfire that started Wednesday afternoon in the Limassol district.
“The management is holistic and forces move where there is greatest danger. It is impossible to have a fire truck outside every house,” he said.
Kettis emphasised the scale of operations across “100 square kilometres,” questioning critics: “So all these people who have been fighting for two twenty-four-hour periods are simply moving around to pass their time? Did they ask how many houses we saved? How many rescues we made?”
The spokesperson disputed negligence claims, stating: “There was immediate response. We were there in six minutes. The entire state mechanism was activated and at the same time the two aircraft from Akrotiri started and we went directly into Icarus 2.”
“In four hours, 100 square kilometres burned. Does this say nothing about this fire?” Kettis said.
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