A fire that broke out in Palaichori was caused by wires placed to unlawfully tap the electricity supply, the forestry department announced on Monday.
According to Forestry Department Director Charalambos Alexandrou the electromechanical service and the police have been furthering the investigation into the fire’s cause since early morning. Burnt out cables have been found at the site, authorities added.
The fire that broke out at 2.24pm in the area of Palaichori was brought under complete control at 5.20pm on Sunday.
The fire burned 10 hectares of forest vegetation and threatened homes and properties.
The department said that it took 130 people from their ranks to battle the blaze along with 20 fire engines, three vehicles from the game and wildlife service, three civil defence vehicles and three excavators. Volunteer firefighters also participated.
The Ikaros II plan was put into effect with a total of seven aircraft from the forestry department the police and national guard backing up the ground crews.
Firefighting forces will remain in the area to deal with possible flare-ups.
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Mail
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Mail
Source
