Paphos: Smoke continues to rise today from the area where the large-scale fire that broke out yesterday, Wednesday, in the Paphos district, began. The atmosphere in the regions of the communities of Agia Marinouda and Agia Varvara is suffocating, and residents have expressed concerns about air quality and the potential health impacts. Authorities are advising citizens to avoid unnecessary travel near the site and to take protective measures, especially individuals with respiratory problems. The cause of the fire remains unknown; however, multiple fires have broken out in the same area in the past. The fire started at the Paphos waste disposal site.
According to Cyprus News Agency, due to strong winds and the nature of the materials involved, the fire spread rapidly to adjacent areas, burning orchards, dry grasses, reed beds, wild vegetation, crops, vineyard plants, plastic water pipes, and several trees. Yesterday’s wildfire in the Paphos district caused enormous ecological destruction, according to the President of the Paphos District Local Government Organisation Charalambos Pittokopitis, who was present at the scene from the very beginning. Speaking to CNA, Pittokopitis told CNA, the fire was contained along its perimeter, and there were no active fronts.
Pittokopitis described yesterday as a difficult day due to the challenging terrain, steep slopes, dense vegetation, high temperatures, and strong winds made the task of extinguishing and containing the fire extremely difficult. Meanwhile, members of Civil Defence experienced truly shocking and emotional moments while responding to the massive wildfire that swept through the Paphos district yesterday, according to Chara Lazarou, Civil Defence officer and Deputy Spokesperson of the Force.
Lazarou told CNA that 20 members of the Civil Defence participated in firefighting efforts in Paphos until 10:00 p.m last night. As they managed to bring the situation under control, the personnel were then redeployed to assist in combating the fire in Limassol. Reflecting on the intense experiences, Lazarou said, “there were moments when it seemed houses, people in distress, and loved ones were truly in danger. Some residents couldn’t leave their homes, and it was very emotional”. She emphasised that, despite these difficulties, safety measures had to be strictly followed to prevent further harm or tragedy.
She further explained that in Paphos, seven vehicles, along with 17 volunteers and three permanent staff members, worked tirelessly. Their efforts focused not only on extinguishing and managing flare-ups but also on guiding civilians safely through areas where there was a real risk of becoming trapped.