Forest fires in Troodos Mountains were brought under control

The fire which broke out in the Troodos Mountains at noon yesterday, has been brought under control by firefighters backed by helicopters.

The blaze, which destroyed several holiday homes and forced the evacuation of at least two villages, is raging in the area of Saittas in the Troodos Mountains, some 55km south-west of South Lefkosa.

Earlier, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer offered help to the Greek Cypriot Administration.

The fire – which is said to be the worst ever in the South–has been brought under control by firefighters backed firefighting aircraft from Italy and Israel and helicopters from British military bases.

A few dwellings in Pelendri, Saiottas and Kato Amiandos were burned to

the ground.

Firefighters are still tackling the blaze which broke out at noon yesterday in the Saittas forest north of Limassol.

Fanned by strong winds and a scorching heat wave, the flames spread rapidly and by early afternoon had laid waste to a huge area on the pine-covered Troodos Mountain range.

So far, there have been no reports of any serious injuries.

According to the Greek Cypriot Forest Department, the blaze erupted after an aerial high-voltage power cable short-circuited, the sparks igniting nearby trees.

Earlier, Prime Minister Ferdi Sabit Soyer offered help to the Greek Cypriot Administration.

The Premier said an initiative has already been launched at the United Nations with the aim of providing help to South Cyprus.

Mr. Soyer said `we are ready to extend a helping hand to protect the beauties of our common land with no political interests`.

^ Top of Page