Arson Not Ruled Out In Akamas Fire

Update: Authorities have not ruled out arson in a fire that spread across the Akamas national park, destroying large swathes of carob trees, pine trees and other flora and fauna.

The blaze broke out at 9.10am near the Baths of Aphrodite and Anassa Hotel, and reached Neo Chorio west of Paphos as well as spreading towards the Akamas Forest before being brought under control by the early evening on July 3rd.

Strong winds were fanning the flames, and firefighters remained in the area overnight to prevent any more fires from breaking out in the region.

Two planes, two helicopters and over 120 members of the firefighting services battled with local residents to save property and lives in the protected forest. Using tractors and bulldozers, fire-fighters created firebreaks to interrupt the blaze and stop it from spreading.

So far, wild vegetation, crops and large areas of pine forest have been burned, said a spokesman for the forestry department.

Police are gathering evidence to confirm whether the fire was caused by arson.

The Akamas peninsula is home to thousands of varieties of flora and fauna, so the damage to the environment is beyond estimation.

Photo: file photo

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