Seventeen Cyprus Forestry College students helped contain a fire that broke out in the Troodos National Forest Park near Prodromos on Wednesday night, acting before firefighting forces reached the scene.
The fire started at 22:02 near the college’s facilities and was brought under control by 22:20, burning low shrub vegetation, according to the Department of Forests. One fire engine and five staff members took part in the operation.
Despite strong winds in the area, the students responded immediately, using hand tools and the college’s personal extinguishers until firefighting forces arrived.
The Department of Forests expressed pride and appreciation toward the students, saying their composure, readiness and determination helped limit the fire and prevent it from spreading to the wider Troodos National Forest Park and the village of Prodromos.
The cause of the fire is under police investigation.
