Savvas IEzekiel, in response to the two fires that broke out on Saturday in Liso, stating that “something is happening” in the wider area and that the phenomenon must be seriously investigated.
Mr. Ezekiel said that two fire sites were recorded in Lysos, approximately 500 meters apart, and expressed the view that these were arson fires. He linked these new incidents to a series of fires that have been recorded in recent years from Drousia to Prodromi, as well as in Skoulli.
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“It’s impossible to have five fires from Drousia to Prodromi—consecutive incidents,” he said, adding that there have been repeated fires in Skoulli as well, and now two consecutive fires in Lysos.
“This phenomenon in the ‘triangle’ I mentioned to you occurs every year. Why does it happen every year? There must be a reason for it, and we need to identify it,” he said.
Mr. Ezekiel added that “we must no longer be afraid to say that something is wrong in this area,” noting that, if it were an isolated fire, it could be considered a random incident.
“However, we cannot have fires every year that escalate into major incidents and keep the fire departments constantly on the move,” he said, adding that he is prepared to submit recommendations for this specific area at upcoming meetings.
When asked if there were any new developments regarding the investigation into the fires in Lyssos, Mr. Ezekiel limited himself to stating that “the case is under investigation” and that he does not wish to say more at this stage.
The Director of the Forestry Department also said that, despite repeated appeals and public awareness campaigns, “unforgivable and serious mistakes” continue to be recorded by citizens who fail to comply with the law and use tools that produce sparks, resulting in fires.
“As the Forestry Department, we are on full alert and stand ready due to the weather conditions,” he emphasized.
As he noted, although there has been rain in the mountainous areas and the climate there is milder, in the lower-lying areas, high temperatures—which have remained near 40 degrees for an extended period—have turned the vegetation into a “veritable powder keg.”
He warned that if, for any reason, the forest firefighting forces are unable to reach a fire in time, it could escalate into a major incident.
At the same time, he thanked the citizens who help prevent and extinguish fires, emphasizing that “protecting our forests, the environment, our land, our homes, and our mountain communities is everyone’s responsibility.”
Through KYPE, Mr. Ezekiel also congratulated the couple who provided information to the authorities, which led to the arrest of two individuals alleged to have started a fire in a forested area of Kornos.
Regarding day-trippers, he noted that no fires originating from recreational areas had been recorded in recent days, adding that those who visited the forests had shown particular care and awareness.
As he explained, the situation is being continuously monitored through the forest stations responsible for specific recreational and camping areas, as well as nature trails.
Referring to the recent rains, he said that these—particularly in the areas of Troodos, Platanies, Saittas, Moniatis, Platres, and toward Kakopetria, combined with lower temperatures, “are helping and making their own positive contribution.”
He clarified, however, that this does not mean there is no risk of fire, as thunderstorms may be accompanied by lightning.
He made special mention of so-called “dry lightning,” that is, lightning that strikes an area where there is no rainfall, noting that in such a case, a major fire can be caused immediately.
“Caution, and once again, caution,” was the message he concluded by addressing to the public.
Source: KYPE
