A large forest fire broke out near the Ayios Mamas community in Limassol on Wednesday afternoon.
The fire is raging in an area where access is difficult urging the fire service to activate the Ikaros 2 contingency plan which includes aircraft.
Efforts to extinguish it are hindered by strong winds and the lack of roads in the area, the forestry department said.
It added that the fire, which started at 3.13pm, continued to be out of control about four hours later, burning forest land and wild vegetation.
Earlier, Forestry Department spokesman Giorgos Constantinos told Philenews the fire was moving towards the village of Pellendi and Kato Mylos.
Over 150 firefighters with 30 fire engines were on site. Four airplanes, a forestry department aircraft and four helicopters were also operating to put out the blaze.
Volunteers were also at the scene to help firefighters’ efforts.
Additional firefighting forces were headed to the area, the forestry department said.