• Massive clean-up and reforestation work lies ahead for the Forestry Department (FD).
• Clean up to prepare for reforestation to start in one month, says the FD.

Thanks to the ceaseless efforts of 22 international firefighting planes, over 300 firefighters on the ground and countless volunteers, the main blazes have been put out in the Soleas area in Troodos. Meanwhile, two firefighters who died during the operation to save the mountain forests are being laid to rest. Marios Aristotelous was buried with hero’s honours on June 22nd.

During Marios Aristotelous’ funeral, Agriculture Minister Nikos Kougialas said: “the loss is huge, your smile and positive energy will be missed…The hard work, diligence but above all your humanity have left an indelible mark on all of us who had the honour to meet you.”

The two firemen who died - Marios Aristotelous and Andreas Sophocleous - were mourned heavily in their social circle on Facebook, with many sharing their goodbyes to their lost friends.

President Nicos Anastasiades said: “I want to warmly congratulate and to express my thanks and gratitude to all the officers of the Fire Brigade, the Forestry Department, the Civil Defense, the Police, the District Administration of Nicosia, and generally to all the civil servants, as well as to the officers and soldiers of the National Guard, and especially to the volunteers for their participation in the large scale operation to extinguish the fire in the region of Solea. All these people who, with self-sacrifice and in a coordinated manner, contributed to the efforts to protect human lives, the environment and residential areas.

I also extend warm thanks to the friendly countries of Israel, Greece, France, the United Kingdom and Italy, as well as to the European Union for their assistance, which was valuable at this difficult times our country has experienced. I extend thanks, also, to the Russian Federation for its immediate interest and willingness to support the fire extinguishing operation.”

Recovering from injuries

Meanwhile, the health ministry announced that a 57-year-old firefighter who was hospitalised and is in intensive care is in stable condition. The patient is receiving treatment from Israeli doctors who specialise in burn traumas.

Two other injured firefighters, aged 57, are out of danger and resting in Nicosia General Hospital.

Three more were lightly injured and treated at Kyperounta Hospital in the mountains. One has already been released and the other two are expected to make a full recovery, said the ministry.

In related news, a 25-year-old man has been arrested for sparking a fire in the forest villages of Kyperounta and Chandria after he used a cast iron pipe cutter which sent sparks into the dry undergrowth, burning up 1.7 hectares.

Three other men are under investigation on suspicion of negligence that started the fires in Argaka forest in Paphos and Soleas district in Troodos. All three were attempting to burn dry weeds and rubbish in their yards - amid a heatwave.

There have since been calls to pass laws to make setting fires to burn rubbish or weeds in gardens and farms illegal.

Photo credit: Sarah Strong Photography