Cyprus continues to be in the grip of a heatwave and a continued "red alert" for the danger of forest fires on Friday.
According to a new yellow warning, issued by the Department of Meteorology, the temperature will reach up to 42 degrees Celsius today. The warning spans between 11:00-18:00 on Friday.
It is added that maximum temperatures are expected to rise to around 42 degrees over inland areas and around 33 degrees over the higher mountainous areas.
The Forestry Department in a press release announced today that the danger of a fire break out in forest areas on Friday, July 28 remains on a 'red alert' level and asked that people are careful and avoid activities that may lead to a fire break out.
The announcement notes that barbeques in forest areas are only allowed in appointed areas in picnic sites and reminds that lighting fire without a permission is punished, according to the law, with up to 10 years in jail and/or up to pound 50,000 fine.
The Department has also called on the public to be especially careful during their outings, to avoid 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 angle grinders, and welding.
In case of smoke or fire the public is urged to immediately call 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Service)
Source: Cyprus News Agency