NICOSIA (Reuters) – Greece, Britain and Israel sent planes and helicopters to Cyprus on Monday to fight a huge forest fire sweeping through scenic mountains on the island, fanned by high winds and scorching temperatures.
The blaze, possibly triggered by an attempt to burn dry stubble, broke out on Sunday in the foothills of Troodos region of the eastern Mediterranean island.
The Soleas area hardest hit by the blaze is covered by pine forest and fruit orchards. The blaze, thought to be one of the worst in recent years, also coincided with the first major heatwave of the year, creating tinderbox conditions.
“The situation is really tragic,” Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades told reporters from the area. “The damage is irreparable.”
Two firefighters were hurt, one of them seriously.
Water bombers from Greece and Israel and helicopters from the British military bases in Cyprus were assisting in the firefighting effort. Anastasiades said additional air assistance had also been requested from Greece.
Mustafa Akinci, head of the breakaway Turkish Cypriot state in northern Cyprus, also offered assistance. Anastasiades said he had thanked Akinci but that authorities had enough assets at their disposal.
Cyprus was split along ethnic lines following a Turkish invasion in 1974 triggered by a brief Greek inspired coup.
Reuters
