Grief and ashes dominate the mountainous Limassol region, following the deadly wildfire that erupted on Wednesday, July 23, 2025 in Cyprus. Two people tragically lost their lives, burned alive while trying to escape the flames. Although the fire situation shows some improvement, the situation remains critical. Firefighters continue to wage a fierce battle against the fire fronts, while strong winds expected in the coming hours are causing intense concern. The Cyprus Fire Service is making every possible effort to fully contain the active hotspots.
Cyprus wildfire: Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos hints at arson
Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos, speaking to state radio, hinted at arson, saying that eyewitnesses who called the Fire Service saw the fire starting from two points, one hundred meters apart from each other, specifically under a bridge where there is an illegal dump site. Furthermore, Mr. Longinos said he has already provided evidence to the Police for investigation of the case.
So far, the wildfire has burned approximately 100 square kilometers, while there are intense flare-ups being addressed, Fire Service Press Spokesman Andreas Kettis told KYPE. Additionally, he noted that there are intense flare-ups being dealt with, also mentioning that there is currently no active front. “We have 10 aerial vehicles, with the 11th being the coordination aircraft, which are making drops based on assessment. Soon the aerial vehicles will become 13, with the 14th coordinating,” he added.
“We have all our forces in the area. We will proceed with personnel changes,” the Fire Service spokesman said. “Currently,” he continued, “winds of 2-3 Beaufort scale are blowing, but it is predicted they will strengthen and the situation will be even more dangerous when dawn fully breaks.” “So far, the wildfire has burned approximately 100 square kilometers,” he concluded.
Cyprus wildfire: The two fatalities
According to police, at the Cyprus wildfire front, two bodies were found inside a vehicle. As the Press Office reports, Civil Defense members discovered, at 9 pm yesterday, a charred body inside a car on the Monagroulli-Alassa road. Shortly after, a second body was found inside the same vehicle. Examinations continue for identification of the two bodies.
According to Reuters, citing police sources, at least 10 people have been injured, two of them seriously.
