Nicosia fire burns forest

A WEEKEND fire near a Nicosia district village destroyed around two hectares of wild vegetation and a private forest, the fire services said.

The blaze, near Ayios Epifanios, was put out by the combined efforts of five water-dropping aircraft and around 18 fire trucks before it reached the nearby Adelphi state forest.

The forestry department said the cause of the fire was under investigation but initial evidence suggested it had started at a construction site.

Fire service spokesman Leonidas Leonidou, said that the public should not toss cigarette butts out of their cars, burn grass or rubbish, or use machines or tools that are likely to produce sparks or flames.

The Fire Department, said yesterday it had responded to 24 fires in the 24 hours since Sunday morning.

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