Department of Forests and the Cyprus Fire Service jointly appeal to the public to be particularly careful, avoiding completely actions and activities that may cause a fire.

As today's press release says, "the prolonged heatwave conditions have greatly increased the risk of fires starting and spreading."

"We strongly urge the public to exercise extreme caution by 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, oxygen welding and electric welding," it said.

Special attention should be paid to the preventive measures to avoid fire from the exhausts of various electric generators or water pumps in the countryside, the Department says.

It is emphasised that the burning of shrubs, grass and branches is prohibited and that the lighting of a fire anywhere in the countryside is prohibited, except for the preparation of food within the designed areas located in organized camping/picnic sites.

It should be noted that lighting a fire within the state forest or within 2km of its boundaries constitutes an offence which, according to the Law on Forests, is punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years or a fine of up to €50,000.00 or both penalties together.

If anyone notices smoke or fire, they are requested to call immediately 1407 (Forestry Department) or 112 (Fire Service), the press release concludes