FAMAGUSTA GAZETTE – Authorities are investigating whether a large wildfire that broke out Sunday in the village of Tsada, near Paphos, was sparked by an illegal landfill, according to the Cyprus Fire Service.
Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis confirmed that officials received information suggesting the blaze may have originated from an unauthorized dump site.
The claim is under investigation, he told Cyprus radio.
The fire scorched roughly one square kilometer of dry grass, wild vegetation, and trees. Nine aircraft were deployed to battle the flames, which threatened homes and the Prophet Elias Church.
Residents were advised to evacuate, though many chose to remain. Fire crews remained on site Monday morning to monitor for flare-ups and complete extinguishment efforts.
The blaze was eventually contained just outside the residential zone of Tsada, preventing damage to homes that were at immediate risk.
The incident has renewed concerns about illegal waste disposal in the Paphos district.
According to local officials, the region is home to more than 500 unauthorized dump sites, many of which pose significant fire hazards due to haphazard waste accumulation. These sites often contain flammable materials such as furniture, appliances, wood, and rubble.
Deputy district officer Emily Dionysiou recently warned that illegal dumping is a major contributor to wildfires in the area.
In 2024, the government allocated €1 million to clear high-risk sites and create firebreaks in collaboration with the forestry department.
Local leaders have called for stricter inspections and more designated “green points” to encourage proper waste disposal. Without intervention, they say, communities like Tsada remain vulnerable to future disasters.