Pafos Live 16 August 2026
FIRE ROUND UP
A major disaster in Lysos was prevented. The fire that threatened the Paphos forest yesterday afternoon has been brought under control and the perimeter of the fire is secured. During the night, forces in the area will remained on alert. Arson suspected.
Update - Filenews - The director of the Department of Forests, Savvas Ezekiel, expressed concern about the repeated fires that occur every year in specific areas of the Paphos district, on the occasion of both fires that broke out on Saturday in Lysos, saying that "something is happening" in the wider area and that the phenomenon must be seriously investigated.
Mr. Ezekiel said that in Lysos two outbreaks were recorded at a distance of about 500 meters from each other, expressing the assessment that these were deliberate fires. He linked the new incidents to a series of fires that have been recorded in recent years from Drouseia to Prodromi, as well as in Skoulli.
"It is not possible to have five fires from Drouseia to Prodromi, continuous incidents," he said, adding that there have been repeated fires in Skoulli and now two consecutive fires in Lysos.
''The phenomenon in this "triangle" that I mentioned to you occurs every year. Why does it happen every year? It must be due somewhere and we have to identify it," he said.
Mr. Ezekiel added that "we should no longer be afraid to say that something is wrong in this area", noting that if it was an isolated fire, it could be considered a random incident.
"However, we cannot every year have fires that develop into large incidents and the fire brigades run constantly," he said, adding that he is ready to submit suggestions for the specific area at the meetings that will take place in the next period.
Asked if there is anything new from the investigation of the fires in Lysos, Mr. Ezekiel limited himself to stating that "the case is being investigated" and that he does not wish to say more at this stage.
The Director of the Department of Forests also said that, despite the constant appeals and informing the public, "unforgivable and serious mistakes" are still recorded by citizens, who do not comply with the law and use tools that cause sparks, resulting in fires.
"As the Department of Forests we are on full alert and readiness due to the weather conditions," he stressed.
As he mentioned, although there has been rain in the mountains and there is a milder climate there, in the lower areas the high temperatures, which have been maintained for a long time close to 40 degrees, have turned the fuel into a "real powder keg".
He warned that, if for any reason the forest firefighting forces fail to get to a fire in time, it can develop into a major incident.
At the same time, he thanked the citizens who help prevent and extinguish fires, underlining that "the protection of our forests, the environment, our place, our homes and our mountain communities is everyone's business".
Through KYPE, Mr. Ezekiel also congratulated the couple for giving evidence to the authorities, which led to the arrest of two persons who allegedly caused a fire in a forest area of Kornos.
Regarding the excursionists, he said that no fires that started from picnic areas were recorded these days, noting that those who visited the forests showed special attention and sensitivity.
As he said, the situation is constantly monitored through the forest stations that are responsible for specific picnic and camping sites, as well as nature study trails.
Referring to the latest rains, he said that these, mainly in the areas of Troodos, Platania, Saittas, Moniatis, Platres and towards Kakopetria, combined with the lower temperatures, "help and have their own positive contribution".
He clarified, however, that this does not mean that there is no risk of fire, as storms can be accompanied by lightning.
He made special reference to the so-called "dry lightning", i.e. lightning that falls in an area where there is no rainfall, pointing out that in such a case a large fire can be caused immediately.
"Attention and attention again", was the message he finally addressed to the audience.
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A fire broke out this morning in the area of Kalliepeia. The Fire Service responded with three fire trucks, which was supported by a portable firefighting unit of the Department of Forests and the Game Service. The fire has been brought under control and burned four dozen hectares of dry grass and wild vegetation, while irrigation hoses were affected.
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A short circuit in the refrigerator of the premises caused the fire to break out in the early hours of the morning on the mezzanine floor of a restaurant in Paphos.
According to the fire service, people lived in a small room located within this area and were safely removed if they noticed the fire.
Members of the Fire Service proactively evacuated tenants of apartments on the upper floor.
On the ground floor there is a restaurant.
From examinations carried out this morning by the Police, Fire Service and Electromechanical Service, it was found that the fire was due to a short circuit of the refrigerator.
A fire, which was brought under full control, broke out in an area within the administrative boundaries of the community of Alhambra, while a house was also in danger of burning.
The Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment announces that today, Saturday, August 15, 2026 at 9:40 a.m., a fire broke out in the administrative boundaries of the community of Alhambra.
The fire was brought under full control at 10:00, after burning an area of two tens of dry grass and agricultural crops. Thanks to the timely intervention of the forces, an adjacent house that was in immediate danger was protected.
12 people from the Department of Forests participated in the extinguishing operation with 4 fire trucks and 1 agricultural tractor. The Fire Service also assisted in the firefighting operation with 5 people with 2 fire trucks.
The causes of the fire are being investigated.
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A new fire incident occurred at noon near the community of Psevda.
Strong forces of the Department of Forests were mobilized to extinguish the fire, while assistance was requested from the Fire Service.
The fire, according to the first information from the Department of Forests, was brought under control.
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Cy Mail
A fire which broke out near the village of Kato Moni on Saturday afternoon was brought under control within 20 minutes, the forestry department said.
The fire broke out at around 2.35pm within the administrative boundaries of the village and was brought fully under control by 2.55pm.
Around one decare of low wild vegetation was burned.
Twelve forestry department personnel responded with two fire engines and a bulldozer, while the fire service assisted with three firefighters and one fire engine.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
