Forest fires contained in Lysos, Paphos

A significant forest fire broke out on August 15, 2026, around 15:50 in the Potamoudes area of Lysos, Paphos district. The blaze, fueled by strong winds and difficult terrain, led to the activation of the Ikaros II emergency plan. Authorities deployed a massive response including 57 Forestry Department personnel, 12 firefighters, 10 Civil Defense members, and 2 Game and Fauna Service officers, alongside a fleet of 9 aircraft and various heavy machinery. The fire was successfully brought under control by 17:45 after consuming approximately 7 hectares of vegetation.

While firefighters were working to contain the initial blaze, a second fire erupted around 17:45 in the nearby Mersinia area, located just 500 meters from the first site. The proximity and timing of the two incidents have led authorities to suspect malicious intent. The Director of the Forestry Department, Dr. Savvas Iezekiel, oversaw the operation. An official investigation is now underway to determine the cause of the fires, as the area remains under close monitoring to prevent flare-ups.