A major fire that broke out near Mouttayiaka in Limassol shortly after midday on Sunday and spread towards the village was brought under control by around 6 p.m., according to the Fire Service, Cyprus Mail reports.
The blaze was tackled by 11 fire engines from Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia and the Vasiliko energy plant, supported by 11 aircraft. At its peak, flames came dangerously close to residential areas and were visible from the highway, but firefighters managed to safeguard both homes and farmland.
Additional support came from 10 fire engines and 62 personnel from the forestry department, Civil Defence, district authorities, police, the game fund and several volunteer groups including KitasWeather, SupportCy, ETEA, SOS and Rescue 1. The Ikarus 2 and Pyrsos emergency protocols were activated and an Advanced Command Center was established on site.
The exact cause of the fire will be determined once the extinguishing work is completed. Firefighting forces remain in the area to prevent possible flare-ups.
At present, the fire has been contained.
