*Cyprus battles huge forest fire*

18 Jun 2008 17:46:10 GMT
Source: Reuters

NICOSIA, June 18 (Reuters) - A raging forest fire forced the evacuation
of six villages in southwest Cyprus on Wednesday and the water-starved
island sought aid from Greece. Facing one of the worst droughts on
record, the island had to use scarce water reserves to battle a blaze
which destroyed at least three holiday homes and burned orchards and farms.

Authorities said it was difficult to calculate the extent of the fire as
thick plumes of smoke covered the semi-mountainous region between the
cities of Limassol and Larnaca.

"It's an environmental disaster," said Neoclis Sylikiotis, the Cypriot
interior minister.

Six sparsely populated villages were evacuated as a precaution.

"Right now the fire appears contained. This will be a difficult summer
because of the drought and water shortage, and we all have to be very
vigilant. Even the smallest spark can trigger a disaster," Sylikiotis said.

Helicopters from British military bases in Cyprus were assisting
firefighters, backed up by the army and volunteers, and Greece sent two
aircraft to the island.

It was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, which started before
dawn and quickly spread, fanned by winds and tinder box conditions from
a dry winter. Authorities said the fire could have reignited from
another one in the region earlier in the week.

(Reporting by Sarah Ktisti)