Firefighters and aircraft tackle wildfire near Ergates industrial area

Nicosia, Cyprus. Firefighters and aircraft were deployed on Tuesday to tackle a wildfire burning dry grass northwest of the Ergates industrial area in Nicosia.

The operation involved fire services, government agencies, volunteer groups and local authority equipment.

Related: Part of human skull found in British bases area of Dhekelia

RelatedPart of human skull found in British bases area of Dhekelia

Emergency response

Fire brigade spokesman Andreas Kettis said four fully staffed fire engines from Nicosia stations were initially sent to the scene.

Additional personnel from the Forestry Department, the Game and Fauna Service and organised volunteer groups were deployed to support the response.

Aerial and ground support

Two firefighting aircraft were immediately deployed, while two more were mobilised to reinforce the aerial operation.

The Nicosia EOA also provided two excavators and a water tanker to assist efforts to contain the fire and prevent its spread.

Investigation pending

Firefighters remained at the scene on Tuesday afternoon as ground and aerial crews worked to bring the blaze under control.

Authorities had not announced the cause of the fire or the extent of the affected area.