On Easter Saturday, Cyprus firefighters extinguished 120 fire outbreaks
On Easter night, Cyprus firefighters extinguished 120 fire outbreaks across the island. Most of them were associated with the tradition of lighting bonfires for the holiday.
According to local media reports, most emergency calls were received by emergency services on Easter Saturday evening and Sunday night. Thanks to the intervention of firefighters, serious damage to property and infrastructure was avoided.
It is also reported that rescue teams were deployed to deal with the aftermath of 18 other incidents not related to fires.
It's worth noting that on Saturday afternoon, the fire service issued a warning to the public: due to the strengthening wind, traditional bonfires could endanger homes, infrastructure, and human lives. Authorities and the public urged people to heed the warnings and remove piles of wood and rubbish intended for burning as part of the Easter Saturday bonfire tradition.
Earlier on the same day, fire services and police were put on high alert and patrols were increased in light of the traditional bonfire.
It's worth reminding that Cyprus has a ban on lighting any bonfires.
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