Extremely high temperatures continue to hit Cyprus, forest fires on red alert

Extremely high temperatures continue to hit Cyprus on Thursday with the Department of Forests noting that the risk of an eruption and extension of forest fires will continue to be on "red alert". According to an orange warning issued by the Department of Meteorology, temperatures inland are expected on Thursday to rise to around 43 degrees Celsius and around 34 over the highest mountainous areas. The warning is valid from 12:00 to 17:00 local time. Moreover, on Thursday the risk of explosion and expansion of forest fires will remain on "red alert", the Department of Forests said. It noted that lighting a fire without a permit is prohibited and that it constitutes an offense which, according to the Forestry Law of 2012, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to pound 50,000.00 or both penalties together and according to the Fire Prevention in the Countryside Law of 1988 up to 5 years or with a fine of up to pound 20,000 or both penalties together. The lighting of a fire, for prepar ing food, is only allowed in the grills of the picnic areas. The Department also strongly appealed to the public to be especially careful during their outings, completely avoiding 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 emery, welding and electric welding. Finally, people who notice smoke or fire are urged to call 1407 (Department of Forests) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately. Source: Cyprus News Agency