Firefighters Battle Blaze in Limassol State Forest, Cyprus

A fire broke out in the State Forest of Limassol, Cyprus, at approximately 9:50 a.m. on April 25, 2024, prompting a swift response from firefighting crews.

According to the Forestry Department, strong ground forces and aerial support, including a Forest Department firefighting aircraft, a Police helicopter, and a British Bases helicopter, are currently deployed to combat the ongoing blaze.

The fire is raging in the Limassol province, with aerial firefighting efforts underway to control the flames. Additional firefighting personnel are en route to the area to assist in extinguishing the fire. The Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, accompanied by the Ministry's General Director, Andreas Gregoriou, is also heading to the scene to assess the situation firsthand.

As of now, the cause of the fire remains undetermined, and authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the origin of the blaze. The Forestry Department has urged the public to exercise caution and avoid any activities that may inadvertently spark fires, particularly during dry and windy conditions.

Why this matters: Forest fires pose a significant threat to the environment, wildlife, and nearby communities. The swift response and coordinated efforts of firefighting teams are critical in containing the blaze and minimizing its impact on the ecosystem and surrounding areas.

This is not the first time the Limassol state forest has been affected by fire. On April 24, 2024, another fire broke out in the same area, which was brought under control, but firefighters remained on-site overnight to prevent any rekindling. Some residents of the nearby Vasas Kellakiou village were evacuated as a precautionary measure. Strong winds hampered the firefighting efforts, which involved over 150 members of the Fire Service, forestry department, civil defense, and Game Fund.

Minister Panayiotou has ordered an investigation into the possible cause of the previous fire, which may have been triggered by human error during the destruction of munitions in a nearby quarry. She also reminded residents to be cautious and avoid actions that may inadvertently cause fires. The government plans to purchase ten firefighting planes over a five-year period to bolster the country's firefighting capabilities.

Key Takeaways

• Fire broke out in Limassol Forest, Cyprus on April 25, 2024 at 9:50 AM.
• Firefighting crews, including aerial support, deployed to combat the ongoing blaze.
• Cause of the fire remains undetermined, authorities investigating the origin.
• This is not the first fire in the area, with a previous fire on April 24, 2024.
• Government plans to purchase 10 firefighting planes to bolster firefighting capabilities.