Cyprus wildfire spurs new firefighting tech as Greece cracks down on illegal burns

A large wildfire broke out on Monday in the Kalo Horio area of Larnaca, Cyprus, spreading to Agia Anna and Psevdá. The Cyprus National Fire Service deployed new tools, including surveillance cameras, GPS tracking, and drones, to monitor the blaze and protect lives and property. Fire coordinator Nikos Logginos said the technology helped contain the fire and will be used throughout the fire‑season. The local mayor of Psevdá hosted a thank‑you dinner for firefighters and volunteers.

In Greece, fire authorities arrested four individuals in Rafina, Ilion, Nea Kifisia and Chalkidiki for violating fire‑prevention laws. The suspects used barbecues, metal‑cutting wheels and other heat sources within 300 metres of forested areas on a day with a high fire‑danger rating. Each was fined between €1,687.50 and €3,000 and taken to the public prosecutor. The arrests are part of a broader crackdown that has issued 655 fines totaling €993,034.18 and 262 arrests since January.