Cyprus forest fire outbreak: Isreal, Russia and Greece sends airplanes to help battle huge fire

Cyprus: Israel has sent additional fire fighter jets to Cyprus as it battles a massive wildfire that has continued to rage out of control and has razed about 15 square kilometers of trees and countrysides.
Greece had also sent a pair of super puma helicopters that will join with 14 Cypriot, Russian and Greece aircraft to help local fire services in the battle to put off the fire.

Firefighters had managed to restrain the fire, but heavy winds have continued to aid the blaze.

In a statement by the President of Cyprus, Nicos Anastasiades, he said the destruction done to a large area of forest in the mountainous regions is "irreparable," but nevertheless promised a rapid reforestation program.

He said 66 firefighting vehicles and more than 300 people from the island's Fire Service, Forestry Department, as well as volunteers have been mobilized to fight the blaze that has covered the area with thick plumes of smoke.

"It's truly a tragic situation. ... We're doing all we can to bring the fire under control," said Anastasiades after chairing a meeting of top Fire Service, Police and Interior Ministry officials.

Reports say the fire was the biggest Cyprus has seen in recent years.