Authorities believe most frequent wildfires in the Paphos district are the work of arsonists who act without any apparent motive, officials said on Thursday following the latest suspected deliberate blaze.
A fire that broke out in the community of Skoulli in the Chrysochous area yesterday is considered malicious after firefighters discovered five different ignition points, fire service officials and local government representatives said.
Fire service officials have noted that blazes recorded across the district over the past two months point to “malicious actions by pyromaniacs who act without specific targeting,” stressing that community involvement is crucial in tackling such incidents.
Thursday’s fire erupted in an agricultural area, with coordinated firefighting operations launched immediately to bring it under control. The blaze burned through areas with trees, crops, irrigation equipment, wild vegetation and dry grass, but was kept away from residential areas.
Two Air Tractor firefighting aircraft from the Forestry Department were deployed to the scene, alongside ground forces from the Fire Service, Forestry Department, Game Service, and local authority crews who created firebreaks to contain the spread.
Officials expressed concern about the timing of these incidents, which are increasing as Cyprus enters the high-risk summer fire season.
