Cypriot firemen and volunteers place Aliveri blaze under control

Deputy Director of Cyprus’ Fire Department and chief of the Cypriot mission to Greece Pambos Charalambous told CNA on Monday that the fire in Aliveri of Euboea in Greece, where the Cypriot firemen were sent, was placed under control on Sunday afternoon.
”The front we placed under control yesterday afternoon, around 1730 (local time), continues to be under control, despite continuous rekindling, which in some cases was dangerous. We will remain in the area, most probably until tomorrow, because we held this front with great effort. We will keep it until tomorrow to make sure that there is no problem,” he said.
Deputy Director of Larnaca District Civil Defence and chief of the Civil Defence mission to Greece Chrysilios Chrysiliou told CNA that there was serious rekindling of the blazes in some areas.
Charalambous said that in Aliveri the Cypriot mission was fighting the fire alone, without the assistance of the Greek Fire Department or other force.
Asked what he believed was the cause of the blazes raging across the country, Charalambous said there were various views but most believed the fires were the result of arson.
He also said that human lives were not threatened in Aliveri. ”We stopped the fire just before it reached the first houses,” he noted.
Charalambous said the members of the Cypriot mission were ready for action, with a high morale, while the residents of the area were more than ready to provide food, refreshments and a place to rest.
He added that the Cypriot mission had to face dangerous situations but no one was hurt.
Chrysiliou said the situation on Monday was much better than the previous day. ”Yesterday the situation was desperate and very dangerous. Since late yesterday afternoon, when it was placed under control, we are dealing with the final work of putting out the fire. If we do not finish this job 100%, there is a possibility that the fires will rekindle,” he noted.
He added that the mission would remain in Greece for as long as necessary. ”We are willing to stay,” he said.
Replying to questions, Chrysiliou said on Sunday the situation was difficult to handle. ”Fortunately, the situation changed and now we can say that it is under control,” he added.
Asked about the mission’s morale, Chrysliou said it was high. ”They want to act, they want to work,” he said.