Trachypedoulas fire was work of arsonists

THE FIRE in the Trachypedoulas community in Paphos which burned for around twelve hours on Wednesday was undoubtedly the work of arsonists according to deputy fire chief Marios Drangolas.

He said that officials from the fire department, police force, game fund and forestry department will meet on Monday to discuss what action to take in light of the recent spate of fires across the island.

The blaze was brought under control at around 11pm on Wednesday after it had destroyed five square kilometres of wild shrubbery, pine, olive, carob and almond trees, vines and put homes and farms in the Trachypedoulas and Kidasi communities in danger.

Efforts to extinguish the fire were made more difficult as strong winds were constantly changing direction and pushing the fire into areas that were difficult to reach.

Thirty vehicles from the fire department, forestry department, game fund and civil defence were used while around eighty people also aided efforts to put out the blaze.

Police arrested a 35-year-old man but after questioning later released him without any charge.

Fire fighters remained in the area on Thursday to prevent the fire from re-igniting.

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