‘Pure hell’: Cyprus hit by worst forest fire in decades

Deadly blaze that killed four people and forced evacuation of 10 villages is now close to being under control

Authorities in Cyprus have said a deadly forest fire that was the worst to hit the island in decades was close to being brought under control after water bombing by Greek and Israeli aircraft.

Fanned by strong winds, the fire broke out on Saturday afternoon and swept through the southern foothills of the Troodos mountain range as the country grappled with a blistering heatwave.