Firefighters have contained the wildfire that broke out last night in the Paphos district, according to Fire Service Spokesman Andreas Kettis.
Final extinguishing operations are underway, with aerial support available as needed.
The blaze, which scorched roughly one square kilometre of land, has been brought under control. Residents of the Trachypedoula community who were evacuated earlier can now safely return to their homes.
The fire erupted around 11:46 pm Thursday night in dry grass and vegetation on a steep mountainside in the Paoura area, southeast of Kelokedara. The rapid spread of the flames towards Trachypedoula prompted authorities to evacuate the community as a precaution.
Firefighting efforts were coordinated by the Chief Fire Officer, the Director of the Department of Forests, and Paphos District Fire Stations.
The Icarus 2 aerial firefighting plan was activated at daybreak, with seven aircraft and one coordinator deployed. These resources included five Airtractor aircraft, two Jordanian helicopters, a National Guard coordinator, a Bases’ helicopter, a Police helicopter, and two Egyptian MI-17 helicopters.
Firefighting resources on the ground included six Fire Service trucks, four Department of Forests trucks, and four tankers and bulldozers from both private and Department of Forests sources.
The Civil Defense team and Police in Trachypedoula had gathered residents at the community cafe, prepared to provide further instructions based on the fire’s development.
