Forest Department intervenes in illegal burning incidents in Akamas and Koutrafas

On August 11, 2026, the Cyprus Forest Department reported two separate incidents of illegal fire activity that were prevented by its surveillance systems and patrol units. The first incident involved a group of young people attempting to light a barbecue at Lara beach, located within the Akamas forest park. The activity was detected immediately by thermal cameras, and a nearby patrol arrived to disperse the group before the fire could spread.

In a second incident, an individual attempted to burn weeds in a garden in Koutrafas. A Forest Department patrol was also present in that vicinity, managed to extinguish the flames, and initiated legal proceedings against the person responsible. Spokesperson Glafkos Kyriakou emphasized that these incidents highlight a persistent failure to comply with fire safety regulations. Authorities remain concerned about the potential risks, especially given historical issues where individuals buried hot coals in the sand or left them exposed on beaches. The department is now pursuing prosecution for the Koutrafas incident, though it did not specify if further legal action is being taken against the group at Lara beach. The incidents underscore the efficacy of the department's surveillance network, which includes thermal smoke detection technology.