Huge fire causes extensive damage to farm

A fire in Xylotymbou late Friday destroyed farming equipment and 1,000 bales of hay all worth over €200,000.

The farm, which was inside the jurisdiction of the British bases (SBA), broke out at around 10pm on Friday, the authorities said.

SBA Dhekelia deputy police chief Andreas Pitsillides said the fire service responded with two engines that were later assisted by an additional two vehicles from the Republic and excavators and forklifts operated by area residents.

The fire broke out at a structure, which stored bales of hay in the Xylotymbou farming estate and it took hours to be brought under control.

“The fire was brought under control in the morning hours today,” Pitsillides said, adding that bales of hay were still burning hours later.

The 45-year-old owner of the farm estimated that around 1,000 bales had been destroyed along with the shelter and equipment, all worth over €200,000.

Bases police and fire service experts collected various objects from the scene that will be tested as authorities did not rule out foul play.

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