Authorities are investigating arson as the potential cause of a wildfire that erupted Sunday afternoon in the Mouttagiaka area of Limassol, with witnesses reporting young people near the fire’s origin point.
Limassol Police has received multiple reports regarding the circumstances surrounding the fire’s outbreak, according to information obtained by philenews. Witnesses reported sighting young people north of Mouttagiaka school, close to where the blaze appears to have started.
Authorities have identified the precise ignition point and are examining the witness statements as part of their ongoing investigation.
Witnesses report youths near fire origin point
The Fire Service received several tips about the conditions under which the fire began. The witness reports specifically mention young people in the vicinity of the school area, located near the identified starting point of the wildfire.
These reports have been forwarded to investigating authorities, who continue to examine the evidence and circumstances surrounding the fire’s outbreak.
Emergency response mobilises 11 aircraft and ground teams
The fire was contained around 18:00 on Sunday evening following a major operation involving 11 aircraft. Authorities activated both the PYRSOS and Icarus 2 emergency response plans.
Ground response included 11 fire engines from Fire Service stations across Limassol, Nicosia, Larnaca and Vasilikos districts. The Forestry Department deployed 10 fire vehicles, one portable firefighting unit, 62 personnel and the department director to the scene.
Additional support came from the Game and Fauna Service with two portable firefighting units, Limassol Provincial Administration with water tankers, police, Civil Defence, and volunteer groups including Kitas Weather, SupportCY, ETEA, SOS and Diasosi1.
During the blaze, individual homes and buildings faced danger but were ultimately protected through coordinated service efforts and local resident mobilisation, with community members assisting firefighting efforts using buckets and branches.
Strong firefighting forces remain in the area overnight due to increased risk of rekindling.