CYPRUS is getting serious in its efforts to tackle wildfires in the country triggered by extreme wildfires in Europe.
Officials set out a reminder of the consequences for people who will be caught starting fires during the wildfire season.
Under the Forest Law of 2012, lighting a fire without permission is an offense punishable by imprisonment of up to ten years, a fine of up to 50,000 euros, or both penalties.
A list of activities that the public should avoid includes “the use of tools or agricultural machinery that generate heat, sparks, or flame.”
Last month, Cyprus faced its worst wildfire season for the summer which destroyed around 20 hectares of forest land and required more than 100 firefighters to control the blaze.
Wildfire season in Cyprus normally starts in May and ends in October, but occasionally, it starts as early as April and is extended up to November.
A wild bushfire raging close to a community in the Paphos district that burned nearly eight hectares of land was put under control in the early hours of Saturday morning.
