Fire near Agia Anna community in Larnaca district brought under control — 33 people and five aircraft battled the blaze

The fire that broke out in the Agia Anna community in Larnaca district has been brought under control. The blaze was spotted from a Department of Forests observation tower at 14:58 on Wednesday, 26 August.

The fire was spreading along a riverbed near Achnarka forest and close to residential buildings, so aerial support was requested immediately.

Six fire engines, two water tankers and one bulldozer were operating at the scene, with a total of 33 people involved in the operation. A Department of Forests officer took charge of coordinating the five aircraft, while the Fire Service sent three more vehicles to the area.

The fire started during a heatwave: the Cyprus Meteorological Service had issued a yellow warning for Wednesday due to high temperatures. It was in effect during the afternoon, with temperatures of around 40 degrees expected inland.

Under the 2025 amendment to the Forests Law, starting a fire in state forests or within two kilometres of their boundaries is punishable by up to 12 years in prison, a fine of up to €100,000, or both.