Filenews 19 September 2021 - by Dora Christodoulou
The large front of the fire in mountainous Paphos, which broke out earlier in the afternoon between the communities of Giolos and Simos, remains uncontrollable, with the Fire Brigade evacuating houses in Giolou and Drinias.
In the battle with the flames the air forces of the Republic (8 flying means) are involved. The aerial means were also reinforced with two more helicopters of the British Bases. Off-duty personnel have been called, while additional assistance has been requested with firefighting vehicles from Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and N.M.A.K stations.
According to local officials, the competent authorities proceeded to the evacuation of houses in Giolou, which are approached by the fire, while the animal shelter that operates in the community is also in immediate danger.
Moreover, the Spokesman of the Fire Brigade mentioned that after an evaluation by the Fire Brigade, the Police in cooperation with the Civil Defence will proceed to a preventive evacuation of the village of Drynias.
Equally difficult is the situation in Simos, where the Icarus II Plan has already been activated. Strong air forces are also operating in the area under the coordination of a National Guard helicopter, as well as strong ground forces of all the departments involved. In the case of Simos, the fire has burnt down trees, crops, dry grasses and wild vegetation, without currently threatening the settlement.
Watch a video of the fire in Giolou:
Fire Brigade: Firefighting forces protect individual dwellings
According to the Fire Brigade, firefighting forces protect individual dwellings.
In total, in the part of the fire, 9 firefighting vehicles from the Pafos District stations, from the Department of Forests, 4 fire trucks and 1 bulldozer, from the Game Fund 1 F.M.P. and from the District Administration of 2 land promoters are operating from the Fire Brigade. In addition, a total of 8 aerial means are operating (7 for extinguishing and 1 for air coordination). Off-duty personnel have been called up.
The aerial means are reinforced with two more helicopters of the British bases.
Additional assistance from other provinces
According to Mr. Kettis, additional assistance was requested with firefighting vehicles from Nicosia, Limassol, Larnaca and E.M.A.K. Stations.
