A large fire broke out near Mouttayiaka in Limassol on Sunday around noon and was moving towards the village, the fire service said, although by late afternoon the picture seemed to be improving.

A total of 11 firefighting aircraft are battling the flames, up from an initial two, which rose to five.

The fire is close to homes in the area and can be seen from the highway.

Firefighters were able to protect both homes and farms in the area before they were overtaken by flames.

A large number of firefighters are at the scene, it said, in addition to support from the forestry department, civil defence, the KitasWeather and SupportCY volunteer teams and excavators.

Extra firefighting vehicles and officials have also been brought in from Nicosia, Larnaca and the fire station at Vasilikos.

The Ikarus 2 protocol has been put into action and an Advanced Command Center set up, the fire service said.

The smoke from the fire can be seen from the highway.

The cause of the fire is expected to be established after it has been completely put out.