Paphos blaze torches 40 hectares of forest

A RAGING fire in Paphos forest destroyed 40 hectares of forestland yesterday.

The fire blazed dangerously close to Anathiou village, and authorities used water-carrying aircraft to help extinguish the blaze.

Forestry department chief for Paphos Demetris Christofides confirmed initial reports that the fire started in a fruit orchard before quickly spreading.

Fire and forestry officials were alerted just after 11am yesterday, and large number of firemen were deployed to the area.

Christofides said, “due to the close proximity of Kanaviou dam, which was less than one kilometre away from the fire, the three Kamov helicopters used in the operation were able to fill up with water quickly.

“This meant we could contain the fire in a short amount of time, and it was brought under control with minimum damage being inflicted to the forest.”

Forestry department helicopters were also used in the fire fighting operation.

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