Large Fire Breaks Out at Illegal Dump Site Near Paphos

A significant fire broke out on Thursday afternoon at an illegal dump site near Paphos, with the situation worsened by hot weather and strong winds.

According to the Fire Department, the blaze began at an unauthorized landfill located in the countryside between Polemi and Gialo. There was a risk that the fire could spread to a nearby, larger municipal waste dump. However, thanks to the swift action of the fire service, further spread of the flames was successfully prevented.

This fire follows shortly after another major blaze in the reed beds near the old Turkish-Cypriot village of Lapithi, which destroyed one hectare of reeds and wild vegetation.

Earlier, the Cyprus Fire Service had warned the public about the heightened risk of wildfires. The Meteorological Department forecasts that the dry conditions will continue on the island until March 21. As a result, the burning of grass, branches, trash, or the lighting of any open fires is strictly prohibited.