Cyprus: Emergency crews responding to wildfire in central Paphos District as of June 12

Emergency crews are responding to a wildfire that has broken out in central Paphos District as of June 12. The fire broke out in the early afternoon of June 11 at an illegal rubbish dump between the communities of Polemi and Psathi. The fire is out of control and is moving in an eastward direction. Around 250 firefighting personnel and five aerial craft are on-site tackling the blaze. The fire broke out amid an ongoing heatwave in the region; the Department of Meteorology issued yellow extreme temperature warnings across Cyprus as of June 12, with temperatures of up to 41 C (106 F) expected. Strong winds and inaccessible terrain are hampering firefighting efforts; further wildfire growth is possible over the coming hours.

Due to the wildfire threat, authorities have evacuated the surrounding villages of Choulou, Kourtouka, Lemona, Polemi, and Psathi. The fire destroyed three buildings and damaged at least six others. Authorities have closed several roads in the area, including those linking Lemonari to Polemi and Agios Demetrios to Psathi.

Business and transport disruptions will likely persist in the affected area over the coming hours. Anticipate the status of nearby roads to change over the coming hours and days. Due to fire activity and response operations, authorities will probably close routes within the fire complex and evacuate communities. Traffic flows will likely be disrupted during re-entry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall will probably contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region and possibly disrupt operations at nearby airfields.