Four square kilometres destroyed in Kivides blaze

FIRE department officials yesterday battled throughout the night to put out a fire in the Limassol district, which was finally brought under control in the early hours of the morning. The blaze burned through four square kilometres outside Kivides village, including olive trees, carob trees, pine trees and wild shrub.

The fire broke out at around 2.30pm on Sunday and spread very rapidly because of the dense growth and strong winds in the area, said fire department spokesman Stelios Stylianou. Local fire fighters, British Bases officials, Wildlife and Forestry Department officials, local authorities, rapid reaction police (MMAD) and residents all worked together to put out the blaze, which threatened nearby homes.

Twenty-two fire engines and four helicopters were used in putting out the blaze. Stylianou said the fire broke out due to human negligence, most likely singing wild shrubs or from a lit cigarette.

At around 5am helicopters flew over the village and dropped water in the surrounding area in order to avoid another outbreak. The fire was finally brought under control at 6.40am yesterday, said Stylianou.

Fire fighters will remain in the area in order to ensure another fire doesn’t break out, he said.

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