Hot winds fan mountain fires

TWO fires broke out yesterday morning in the Limassol district, causing damage to 13 hectares of land.

Both broke out almost simultaneously at 4.30am, in Mandria and Fini villages and have been blamed on power cables short circuiting.

According to the Fire Services, the strong winds caused the cables to touch, with the sparks generated turning to flames.

In Mandria, the fire happened in the village’s built-up area on the main road. The Fire Services dispatched four fire engines and two helicopters, with the Forestry Department providing a fire fighting aircraft. The blaze was brought under control within two hours.

Eight hectares of orchards, undergrowth and shrub land were destroyed, with the flames also coming very close to the gardens of several homes.

In Fini, five hectares of land were burnt, with local residents helping the Fire Services to put out the blaze.

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