The cause of a major forest fire near Limassol has been named

Limassol authorities have announced the preliminary cause of a large forest fire that broke out yesterday morning in the village of Parekklisia. Firefighters remained on site throughout the night.

According to initial investigation findings, the fire was caused by human activity. The fire ignited after the unsuccessful disposal of confiscated smoke bombs and signal rockets, a process regularly conducted in a nearby quarry. During the destruction of the pyrotechnics, one of the rockets ignited the vegetation.

The Department of Mining and Geological Industries of the Republic of Cyprus is responsible for the disposal. The Minister of Agriculture has ordered an administrative investigation into the cause of the fire.

As a reminder, the forest fire started around 10:00 on Wednesday. By lunchtime, the situation had worsened: three aircraft and ground forces from the Forestry Department, fire service, and civil defense were deployed to extinguish the fire. Water drops were carried out by a police helicopter and a helicopter from the British base.

Minister of Agriculture Maria Paniotou arrived at the scene. Residents of the Vasa Kellakiou community were warned of possible evacuation. Some residents of neighboring villages were forced to leave their homes.

After 19:00, when the wind subsided, the situation was brought under control. Firefighters remained on site throughout the night to fully extinguish the fire and monitor for any flare-ups.

It is also noted that three more forest fires were brought under control yesterday evening: in the Peristerona community in the Paphos district, in Psevdas in the Larnaca district, and in Lemithou in the Limassol district.