LARNACA - `The fire that raged through the Larnaca rural area was finally put out just after midnight. Airborne fire-fighting units were out at dawn pouring water on areas where it was thought the blaze might break out again. They are now on standby.
Nine kilometres of vegetation, carobs and other growth was destroyed in the Skarinou Agios Theodoros, Khirokitia, Tochni and Maroni areas.
The Deputy Director of the Fire Service Marcos Tragkolas said that a number of blazes reignited during the night and had to be dealt with. He added that some old vehicles had been destroyed.
The fire chief said the fire had started on four fronts and was believed to be malicious. A 19-year-old National Guardsman was arrested in connection with the incident.
Fire-fighting units remain in place as a precaution.