A MASSIVE blaze raged into the night yesterday in a state forest in the Nicosia district, with firefighters on standby to ensure the flames did not reach inhabited areas.
The fire broke out in the ‘Aderfi’ state forest around 3.30pm, incinerating more than one square kilometer, according to Forestry officials.
More than 20 firefighting vehicles and 100 men were deployed in a combined effort by the Forestry Department, the Fire Department and Civil Defence.
Two firefighting planes and two choppers joined the efforts but had to stop operating at dusk.
One firefighter was treated for respiratory problems; no injuries were reported.
Senior Forestry officer Alekos Katalanos said tractors and bulldozers would be working through the night, moving earth to cut off the flames where possible.
The nearest villages are Ayios Epifanios, Askas and Palechori. Inhabited areas were not at risk at the time, Katalanos said.
