Authorities have confirmed that fireworks set off at a private party were the cause of Wednesday night’s wildfire in the Ha-Potami area near Petra tou Romiou.
The blaze, which erupted in a difficult-to-access location, burned approximately 4-5 hectares of dry grass and wild vegetation before being brought under control around 11:50 p.m.
Firefighters from the Fire Service, the Department of Forests, and the Game and Fauna Service, along with residents operating agricultural machinery, responded to the incident.
Officials from the Mines Service, which oversees fireworks licensing, emphasise the rigorous nature of the existing approval process. Applications are reviewed in cooperation with the Fire Service, the Police, and other relevant authorities to ensure public safety and proper use by trained individuals.
The Mines Service maintains a public schedule of licensed fireworks displays on its website. Outdoor fireworks displays are strictly prohibited during summer months due to the heightened wildfire risk.
Authorities confirmed that a licensed fireworks display was authorised in Kouklia, near the fire’s origin, for the evening of the incident.
Following the wildfire, the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, has ordered an immediate review and recall of existing fireworks display licenses, as well as considering pausing the issuing of new licenses until the investigation is complete.
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