UPDATED 17:15
Pissouri Fire Contained but Risk of Flare-Ups Remains, Fire Service Says
Aircraft continue water drops and ground crews work towards full extinguishing as winds keep flare-up risk high.
The fire that broke out on Sunday afternoon south of the Limassol-Paphos highway, near the Pissouri exit, has now been contained, according to the latest update from the Fire Service.
Operations continuing
Despite the containment, operations are continuing, as winds in the area persist and the risk of flare-ups remains. Aerial firefighting units are continuing water drops, while ground forces work towards fully extinguishing the blaze.
Timeline and response
The fire was first reported at 2:38pm, with strong forces from the Fire Service and other agencies mobilised immediately. Firefighting forces earlier succeeded in protecting individual homes in the area. The fire is burning dry grass and low wild vegetation.
Coordination
The Chief Fire Officer and General Fire Coordinator is at the Operations Centre at Fire Service Headquarters, coordinating the operation.
UPDATED 16:50
Firefighting forces are protecting individual homes near Pissouri while aircraft continue water drops on the blaze.
The operation to extinguish the fire south of the Limassol-Paphos highway, near the Pissouri exit, is continuing. The blaze broke out shortly before 3:00pm, according to the latest update from the Fire Service.
Firefighting operation
Strong ground forces are at the scene and have protected individual homes in the area. Water drops from aerial firefighting units are continuing. The Chief Fire Officer and General Fire Coordinator is at the Operations Centre at Fire Service Headquarters to coordinate the response.
Highway reopened
Police had suspended traffic on the highway earlier for public safety, but the road was reopened to traffic shortly after 4:00pm.
Supporting agencies
The Fire Service is being supported by the British Bases, the Forestry Department, the Game and Fauna Service, the District Administration, the Pissouri Community Council, and volunteer groups Atlas-Dias, Kitas Weather, SupportCY, Blue Heart and Rescue 1.
ORIGINAL ARTICLE 15:37
Fire Near Pissouri Shuts Limassol-Paphos Highway in Both Directions
Police and fire services are on scene as traffic is diverted through the old Limassol-Paphos road in both directions.
The Limassol-Paphos highway is closed near Pissouri following a fire that broke out at around 3:00pm in an area adjacent to the road.
Traffic diversion
According to the Police, traffic in both directions, towards Paphos and towards Limassol, is being diverted via the old Limassol-Paphos road.
Emergency response
Members of the Police and the Fire Service are at the scene, working to bring the fire under control and manage traffic flow in the affected area.
Police advisory
The Police are urging drivers to follow the instructions of officers on duty and to exercise particular caution while travelling through the area.
