Two Cyprus villages evacuated as forest fire nears

NICOSIA, July 16 (Reuters) About 1,000 people were evacuated from two villages in Cyprus today as a forest fire approached homes, the fire department said.

Firefighters and helicopters were battling the fire in the southern part of the Troodos mountains, where many Cypriots spend the holidays to escape the summer heat.

''The fire is already 100 metres from the village of Kalavasos and is threatening the village of Asgata,'' department spokeswoman Liza Kemitzi said.

Strong winds were fanning the blaze and authorities have appealed to foreign governments for assistance.

The pine-covered Troodos range, known for its medieval chapels, was hit in late June by one of the worst forest fires in decades.

Reuters KK GC1756