A fire in Paphos district that started early Wednesday afternoon from the Agia Marinouda landfill was contained at 23:38 Wednesday after burning 1.5 square kilometres of vegetation and agricultural land.
The blaze consumed dry grass, reeds, wild vegetation, crops, vine plants, plastic water pipes and numerous trees across an area between the communities of Marathounta, Episkopi and Axylou.
The fire originated near the Agia Marinouda landfill before spreading rapidly due to strong winds.
The flames extended swiftly to the Agia Varvara community area and beyond Nata and Episkopi, eventually reaching a tributary of the Ezousa River. The cause of the fire will be investigated at a later stage.
Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis said strong firefighting forces remained in the area overnight for final extinguishing operations and standby duties.
Ground and aerial forces worked to contain the Paphos fire, which spread due to fierce winds in the region.
Nine fire engines, two Forest Department fire vehicles and five bulldozers responded to the blaze. The Provincial Administration provided two water tankers, whilst the Game Service contributed one mobile firefighting unit.
Civil Defence deployed one mobile firefighting unit and two firefighting helicopters operated from aerial units. Local residents also assisted in firefighting efforts.
Some residents reported irresponsible citizens transporting various waste items, furniture, mattresses and prunings to burn at the Agia Marinouda landfill, characterising their actions as criminal.
Ten communities in Paphos district remained without electricity for several hours, according to Cyprus Electricity Authority spokeswoman Christina Papadopoulou. The power outage was caused by poles and transformers that burnt due to the fire.
Senior Game and Fauna Service Officer Nikos Kasinis described the incident as a major environmental disaster. Kasinis noted the area is one of great natural beauty containing agricultural cultivations, with the Ezousa River forming part of the Natura region.
(information from CNA)
