Cyprus Mail 23 September 2023 - by Jean Christou
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| Photo courtesy of The Kennedys Photo and Film |
Firefighters were battling a blaze that threatened the Ayios Neophytos Monastery in Paphos in the early hours of Saturday, authorities said.
The monks were evacuated as a precaution but the monastery was being well protected, according to fire department spokesman Andreas Kettis.
Kettis said the call came in about the fire at 4:05am.
The blaze had broken out in an area of dry grass and wild vegetation and had burned a number of trees between the communities of Tsada, Koili and Tala, coming very close to the monastery.
“The monastery of Ayios Neophytos was in danger but was protected,” he said. The monks were asked to evacuate as a precaution but no one was in danger. Personnel were moved from the area of the fire to the monastery building to make sure the blaze did not reach the premises, Kettis said
So far, six fire trucks from the Paphos fire station, the Polis Chrysochous station and other Paphos field stations. From the forestry department four fire engines are at the scene and one fire truck from the game and wildlife service.
Kettis said at first light, two firefighting helicopters were activated with additional manpower from the forestry department and the game service.
