Cyprus

Forest fire warning issued over illegal fires

By: SigmaLive English

Date:

Strict ban near state forests

Lighting a fire inside a state forest or within two kilometres of its boundary is strictly prohibited, the Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment said in an announcement.

The department warned that during the summer months the risk of forest fires spreading is extremely high, while any action capable of causing a fire poses serious dangers to the natural environment, human lives and property.

Heavy fines and prison sentences

The Department of Forests stressed that for the period between May and October, lighting a fire without a permit constitutes an offence punishable by an out-of-court fine of €2,500.

For the months of March, April and November, the offence carries a fine of €1,000, while during December to February the fine is €500.

In the event of a conviction, offenders could face a prison sentence of up to five years, a fine of up to €25,000, or both penalties together.

Negligence can carry tougher penalties

The department also noted that any person responsible for causing a fire in a state forest or within the two-kilometre zone through reckless or negligent actions, or failure to take necessary precautions, resulting in damage to forests, woodland, or third-party property, is guilty of an offence.

If convicted, offenders could face up to 12 years in prison, fines of up to €100,000, or both.

Exceptions for designated areas

The legislation excludes fires lit by visitors solely for cooking purposes in specially designated and organised picnic or camping areas.

It also excludes fires lit by residents living within state forests or the two-kilometre zone exclusively for cooking in specially designed outdoor spaces, as well as licensed food and leisure establishments approved by the Deputy Ministry of Tourism.

Public urged to remain vigilant

The Department of Forests called on the public to exercise maximum caution and responsibility during visits to forest areas.

Members of the public are urged to immediately contact the Department of Forests on 1407 or the Fire Service on 112 if they spot smoke or fire.

Also read: Temperature drop, mountain rain – When dust will clear
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel

Share post:

Popular

More like this
Related

ON THIS DAY: The Phantom of the Opera premieres (1986)

On 9 October 1986, the Phantom of the Opera premiere took place at Her Majesty's Theatre in London's West End, marking the beginning of one of the most successful productions in musical theatre history. Created by Andrew Lloyd Webber and starring Michael Crawford as the mysterious Phantom and Sarah Brightman as Christine Daaé, the musical would go on to captivate audiences around the world with its haunting melodies, elaborate staging and dramatic love story. From Gothic novel to West End sensation Based on Gaston Leroux's 1910 novel, The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who lives beneath the Paris Opera House and develops an obsessive love for a young soprano. Andrew Lloyd Webber transformed the Gothic tale into a lavish stage production, combining romance, mystery and tragedy with a powerful orchestral score. The musical introduced songs that would become theatre classics, including "The Music of the Night", "All I Ask of You", "Think of Me" and the dramatic title number. Directed by Harold Prince, with musical staging and choreography by Gillian Lynne, the original London production featured elaborate costumes, atmospheric sets and a spectacular falling chandelier that became one of the show's most recognisable moments. Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman's defining roles Michael Crawford's performance as the Phantom became one of the defining roles of his career, earning him widespread acclaim for his portrayal of the troubled character. Sarah Brightman, who was married to Lloyd Webber at the time, originated the role of Christine Daaé, bringing her distinctive soprano voice to the production. Their performances helped establish the musical's international reputation and set the standard for generations of actors who would later take on the roles. A record-breaking theatrical phenomenon The Phantom of the Opera premiere began an extraordinary run in London's West End. The original London production reached 13,629 performances before being interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020. The musical returned to the West End in 2021 and has continued its run. Its success also crossed the Atlantic, with the Broadway production opening in New York in January 1988. The show went on to become Broadway's longest-running musical, closing in April 2023 after 13,981 performances. Over the decades, The Phantom of the Opera has been performed internationally, translated into numerous languages and seen by millions of theatregoers. Forty years of The Phantom of the Opera On 9...

Three killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh airport

Three Saudi nationals, including a Saudia airline pilot, have been killed in Houthi attacks on Riyadh's international airport.

France promises 3,000 extra teachers in student protests

The French government has made its first sign of...

Eurostat: Cyprus residents made 3.8 million trips in 2025

Residents of Cyprus made 3,815,322 trips in 2025, up...