Extreme high temperatures with fire warnings

Temperatures will soar again on 14 July as the Meteorological Department issued an extreme high temperature warning with temperatures inland reaching 43 C.

Noting the awareness level will be orange, the Meteorological Department said that the temperatures overnight in the south and west coastal areas were not expected to fall below 25 degrees Celsius and on Friday until 1800 temperatures are expected to reach around 43 C inland and around 32 C over the mountains.

At the same time, the Forestry Department and the Cyprus Fire Service have warned that the prevailing heatwave conditions have greatly increased the risk of fires starting and spreading across Cyprus.

In a joint press release they strongly urge the public to exercise extreme caution, avoiding completely actions and activities that are likely to cause a fire, such as the use of tools or agricultural machinery that produce heat, sparks or flame, such as welding and soldering.

Particular attention should also be paid to preventive measures to avoid fire from the exhausts of various power generators or water pumps in the countryside.

It is emphasised that the burning of grass, sticks, and bushes is prohibited and that the lighting of fires anywhere in the countryside is prohibited except for the preparation of food in the barbecue areas of camping sites.

Moreover, the press release added, it is prohibited to light a fire within the state forests or at a distance of 2 km from its limits without a permit and that it constitutes an offence which, according to the Law, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to 50,000.00 euros or both penalties together.

In case of smoke or fire, the public is urged to call  1407 (Forests Department) or 112 (Fire Service) without delay.

(Source: CNA)