Cyprus declares red alert for forest fire risk on July 21

The Department of Forests has issued a red alert for forest fire risk for Tuesday, July 21, 2026, due to extreme temperatures. This warning follows a recent wildfire in Pyrga on Sunday, July 19, which affected approximately thirty hectares of pine forest and agricultural land before being contained. Fire Chief Nikos Longinos, serving as the national fire coordinator, has scheduled an emergency meeting for Tuesday morning at 08:15 to discuss further preventative measures amid ongoing heatwave conditions. Fire service spokesperson Andreas Kettis reported that the agency has responded to 1,350 fire incidents in 2026, noting that over 10% of these had the potential to become major disasters. Officials emphasized that many fires are caused by human negligence, such as discarding cigarettes, agricultural burning, or improper disposal of waste. Citizens are urged to avoid outdoor activities that could trigger a fire, as starting one is a criminal offense punishable by law. In case of smoke or fire, the public is instructed to contact the Department of Forests at 1407 or the Fire Service at 112.