The consequences of the fire that broke out on Sunday at noon in Pyrga could be devastating, with the flames next to houses climbing to a height of 20 meters. This is what the spokesman of the Department of Forests, Glafkos Kyriakou, told philenews, underlining that three scenarios are being investigated as to how the fire broke out. At the same time, he appealed to citizens to clean their yards and properties and to be careful, especially now that there are heat waves. At the same time, there is anxiety in Pyrga, with citizens complaining that this is not the first time that a fire has broken out in their community, asking for those responsible, at last, to be punished.
The zero point of the fire, said Mr. Kyriakou, was on a fenced plot with wild grass, trees and garbage. However, the fire, as he said, did not break out near the road, but much further in. It is, he said, an area that is also surrounded by houses.
"The causes of the fire are being examined by the Police, the Department of Forests and the Fire Brigade," said Mr. Kyriakou and added that there are three prevailing scenarios for how the fire broke out:
As an accidental ignition, due to garbage at the scene, from the reflection of glasses, since there were also very high temperatures
From the carelessness of a person
Maliciously, as an act of arson
"All causes are being investigated. Statements are being taken and the place where the fire broke out is being checked," he said and underlined that "in the event that it becomes clear that a criminal offense arises, then the case will be referred to court."
The yards and properties of the people must, he underlined, be cleaned and the trees pruned. "To protect their properties and not to expect from others."
We are lucky, Mr. Kyriakou pointed out, as yesterday it was humid and there were no winds in the area. "Otherwise, the whole village would be in danger. Already, yesterday, houses were in danger from flames of 20 meters. If we had wind, a tragedy similar to the one last year in mountainous Limassol could be repeated," he said.
He reiterated that people should take care of yards and properties and that an information campaign was preceded for this purpose. "Unfortunately, human activity and carelessness are usually responsible for fires.
"We did everything humanly possible, we immediately implemented the Astrapi plan and in the battle with the fire, five aerial means were also deployed. However, fire protection starts from our homes and from us. The best measure is that of prevention. Everyone should also be careful on their excursions to mountains and forests, to the picnic areas, with the work, the coals and the cigarette butts", he underlined in conclusion.
