Cyprus has recorded more than 1,450 wildfires in rural areas since the beginning of the year, with a significant number of recent incidents believed to have been caused by malicious actions, Fire Service Chief and Fire Coordination General Coordinator Nikos Longinos said on Monday.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Longinos said that more than 90% of fires appear to be linked to human activity.
“Unfortunately, all fires seem to be caused by the human factor, beyond 90%. In recent days, however, it appears that fires are starting due to malicious actions,” he said.
Multiple ignition points raise concerns
Longinos said authorities had identified cases where several fires started close to each other.
“We find four or five points of ignition within a distance of 500 metres,” he said, adding that citizens have also provided information to authorities and investigations are being carried out by police.
He thanked members of the public who have reported suspicious incidents.
Fire in Prastio Kellaki brought under control
Longinos also referred to a fire that broke out at around 03:50 on Monday morning in Prastio Kellaki, describing it as a difficult incident.
The response mechanism was immediately activated, involving the Forestry Department, Fire Service, Civil Defence, Police and the Air Firefighting Unit.
He said the lack of strong winds helped authorities contain the fire before it could spread further.
Ground crews, including tracked vehicles, worked alongside aerial firefighting assets during the early morning hours to bring the blaze under control.
Authorities urge public vigilance
A CY Alert message was also used to inform nearby communities that evacuations could become necessary. Once the fire was fully controlled, residents were informed that the alert had ended.
According to an initial assessment, the fire appears to have started from a bin containing waste materials. Longinos said it is believed that someone may have disposed of charcoal together with other waste, causing the fire to spread into the countryside.
He urged the public to remain extremely cautious as temperatures continue to rise.
“Fires are a daily occurrence for various reasons. As I have said, in most cases they are malicious or caused by human negligence. We must remain constantly alert and prepared,” he said.
Patrols and drones remain active
Longinos confirmed that patrols and drone operations continue as part of efforts to detect fires at an early stage.
He said patrol units recently identified a fire in the Moniatis area and that drones and aircraft continue to monitor areas at risk.
“We send them directly to operate while they are on patrol so that we can catch fires in their early stages,” he said.
He warned that stronger winds could make firefighting operations significantly more difficult.
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