In Cyprus, lightning caused two fires within an hour

Lightning sparked fires in the forests of Paphos and Kalopanayiotis. The fires occurred with a 45-minute difference.

According to the Department of Forests of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, both fires broke out on Monday, May 13th. At 11:00, a lightning strike ignited a fire in the Flegia Valley area in the Paphos forest, and at 11:45, another fire broke out in the Kalopanayiotis community.

Thanks to the swift intervention of firefighters, the first fire in the Paphos forest was fully brought under control by 11:30. Approximately 0.5 hectares of forest vegetation were burnt. Twelve personnel from the Department of Forests responded with three fire trucks to extinguish the fire.

The second fire in Kalopanayiotis was fully contained by 12:05. Similarly, 0.5 hectares of forest vegetation were affected. Seven personnel from the Department of Forests, along with one fire truck and a fire engine from the Kalopanayiotis Community Council with volunteers, were engaged in firefighting efforts.