Nicosia: Cypriot authorities have ordered the evacuation of a small, hillside village near the island nation's southern coast as a large brushfire continues to rage out of control nearby.
Larnaca district officer George Antoniades told state broadcaster CyBC that the evacuation of Skarinou is strictly precautionary as the fire has still not encroached on village homes.
The blaze started on Sunday afternoon and spread quickly because of strong wings, scorching many hectares of trees and wild brush.
Fire Department spokeswoman Lisa Kemidji said eight water-dropping aircraft have suspended flights because of nightfall, but 60 fire-fighters and 25 fire engines remain on the scene.
Interior Minister Eleni Mavrou says three people helping to fight the blaze suffered minor injuries, while one person has been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire.
PTI
First Published: Monday, August 13, 2012, 14:16