Blaze threatens homes in Troodos foothills

FIREFIGHTERS came out in full force yesterday to battle a blaze that threatened houses, restaurants and holiday homes between Ayios Epiphanios and Apliki in the foothills of the Troodos mountain range.

Police and the Forestry Department are investigating collected evidence which suggests the fire was started deliberately.

“The fire started a little before 3pm along the Ayios Epiphanios-Apliki road, starting from the edge of the road and expanding rapidly in dense pine forest destroying wild vegetation and crops,” said Andreas Christou, a Forestry Department spokesman.

He noted that a large number of firefighting forces, including 80 men, were mobilised immediately as the fire threatened houses, restaurants, holiday homes and other buildings in the area. At one point, the fire passed alongside homes, he noted.

“The fire was spotted by a lookout station of the Forestry Department. Once alerted, forces from the Forestry Department rushed to the area immediately, calling for back up from the Fire Service and Game Fund,” said Christou.

“Sixteen fire engines in total, three leased helicopters of the Cyprus Republic and two Forestry Department planes were used to put out the fire. A total of 80 men arrived in the area,” he added.

The fire was brought under control at around 4.30pm, but not before burning around five hectares of wild scrubland, agricultural land and parts of a pine forest.

“Men will remain in the area during the night in case it re-ignites,” he said.

Christou said the Forestry Department and police were investigating the possibility that the fire was started deliberately by arsonists.

“Police are currently examining some evidence they have. I can’t give more detail,” he said.

One local resident, Tasos Antoniou, told CyBC that a similar thing happened last week. Someone had tried to start a fire in the area and it was put out in time, he noted.