A major wildfire is raging in agricultural land between the communities of Koili and Stroumbi in the Paphos district. The fire erupted under unknown circumstances, but strong winds have exacerbated the situation, causing it to spread rapidly.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Wildfire: Firefighting Forces Mobilised
Fire engines have been dispatched from Paphos and nearby rural stations to combat the blaze. They are joined by personnel from the Department of Forests and local community authorities, all working diligently to contain the fire’s advance.
Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com
Reinforcements Arrive
Firefighting efforts are continuously being bolstered with additional resources from various districts. Three aircraft, comprising two planes and a Civil Defence helicopter, were deployed earlier for water drops but halted operations within the last hour due to the rapidly changing conditions on the ground.
Challenging Terrain Hinders Efforts
The fire is primarily situated in a river gorge, presenting significant challenges for ground crews attempting to access and manage the situation. The Civil Defence and police have been alerted and are prepared for possible evacuations of both Koili and Stroumbi.
Control Centre Established
A forward control centre has been set up in the Stroumbi community square, where various agencies, including the Fire Service, Department of Forests, Civil Defence, army, police, and other relevant services, are coordinating their efforts. According to Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis, an active front has developed, with flames moving westward towards the northwest.
Extent of the Fire
The fire has engulfed an area measuring approximately one square kilometre, affecting dry grass, wild vegetation, and trees. Strong winds remain a significant obstacle, with a particularly intense front raging out of control between Koili and Akoursos.
Simultaneous Fires in the Region
In addition to the major wildfire, a smaller fire is currently reported in the Turkish Cypriot village of Pitargou, which is expected to be brought under control shortly. The situation is being monitored closely, with resources redirected as necessary.
On-Site Assessments and Management
Andreas Gregoriou, director general of the Agriculture Ministry, arrived at the control centre shortly after 7pm to assess the situation and determine any necessary actions. He plans to visit the fire front to evaluate the extent of the danger and to decide on further measures for the night or the coming days.
Local Insights on the Incident
Michalis Efthymiou, the community leader of Koili, provided insight into the firefighting efforts, stating that while bulldozers are working to combat the fire, fire engines are struggling to reach the blaze due to its location in an inaccessible area. The fire has destroyed mature cypress forests, but Efthymiou reassured that homes in both communities are not currently at risk.
Human Factors and Unprecedented Timing
Efthymiou speculated that human factors might have contributed to the outbreak, suggesting that it was likely initiated by someone on foot, as vehicles are unable to access that specific terrain. He noted that experiencing such fires in November is unprecedented, although today’s high temperatures have likely contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.
Continued Monitoring and Future Actions
The situation remains fluid, with firefighters and emergency services on high alert. As conditions evolve, further updates will be necessary to ensure the safety of the communities involved and to manage the fire effectively. The collaborative efforts of various agencies highlight the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to protecting lives and property.
