Fire fighters gaining ground in Salamiou fire
June 7, 2019 at 3:22pm
Fire fighters have managed to nearly contain a large fire raging in the Salamiou area in the Paphos district since around 5.20 am on Friday, the Cyprus News Agency reports.
Fire services spokesman Andreas Kettis said the effort to tackle the fire was underway from the air and by fire fighters on the ground, but said that difficult terrain and strong winds have hampered efforts.
Twelve teams from the Forestry Department, the Game Service and the fire service as well as eight fire fighting aircraft have been called in.
Kettis said the fire started in an area that is very difficult to access and there are suspicions that it was set deliberately. He urged the public to immediately inform authorities if they see any smoke or fire or any suspicious movements.
Marios Zachariades, president of the Kelokedara community council said the fire had once again raised the need for access from Xeros. Had there been such access, then the fire would not have spread, he said.
Costakis Avgousti, president of the Salamiou community council said that the fire has so far burnt 15 to 20 hectares of dry grass and wild vegetation and expressed his sadness that the fire was due to arson.
https://in-cyprus.com/paphos-fire-fight ... miou-fire/