Fire engine overturns as blaze fought in Limassol

A wildfire burning in the forest of Pareklisia, Limassol, which threatened nearby residences and farms, was placed under control at noon on Tuesday, the Fire Service announced.

In a statement, the service said the fire broke out at 11:30am in the Mazokampos area, and gained force for about an hour due to the strong winds at the time.

Fire engines were called to the scene, with one flipping over on the way. None of the firemen aboard the fire engine were injured.

The blaze was brought under control at around 1pm, after incinerating around three hectares of bushes, olive trees, and carob trees.

In putting out the fire, 45 men from the Forestry department, the Fire Service, and the Game Fund were mobilised, along with 12 firefighting vehicles, as well as local residents with excavators and tractors.

Two firefighting aircraft from the Forestry department also dropped water on the fire.

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