The deadly wildfire that broke out in the mountainous Limassol region of Cyprus on Wednesday (23/7) is now subsiding. The situation looks better today, more than 40 hours after it erupted, claiming the lives of two people, leaving dozens injured and causing destruction to homes, properties and the natural environment. The prevailing scene is one of ash and debris, as the massive destruction extends across 120 square kilometers. Although there are no active fronts and overnight flare-ups were dealt with, the firefighting operation continues with all available resources and international assistance.
Read: Cyprus fires: seven people hospitalized – where first aid stations were established
According to Cypriot media, initial estimates indicate over 100 destroyed or severely damaged houses and properties, complete destruction of more than 100 vehicles, while the burned area reaches 124 square kilometers, affecting 14 communities.
LIVE: Κάηκαν γύρω στα 100τ.μ – Εικόνες απόλυτης καταστροφής #λεμεσος #φωτια #Cyprus
👉Διαβάστε περισσότερα https://t.co/TyIuco7t4Q pic.twitter.com/ZzeoGLFr8S— Sigmalive (@Sigmalivecom) July 24, 2025
Cyprus wildfire: battle against flare-ups in Limassol continues
The most critical front in the Omodos area has now been brought under control, while strong ground forces remain on standby. During the night, small flare-ups occurred in the areas of Omodos, Pano Kivides, Alassa and Zakakia, which were dealt with. Unmanned aircraft from the National Guard played a decisive role in the firefighting effort, providing aerial imagery and mapping of the fire sources.
Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis said in a morning briefing: “During the night, small flare-ups were dealt with in their early stages near the communities of Pano Kivides, Alassa, Zakakia and Omodos. The contribution of unmanned aircraft from the National Guard was decisive, patrolling and mapping the fire. In the early morning hours, 5 aerial firefighting aircraft took off and are conducting perimeter drops on the fire for better containment where deemed necessary after assessment.
Last night, the two Israeli C130s proceeded with drops of fire retardant material for stability in containment. Winds are expected to gradually increase again today. All firefighting forces remain at their positions and move accordingly. The Fire Service Chief is heading to the advanced coordination center.”
2 νεκροί, άνθρωποι με σοβαρά εγκαύματα, ζημιές και καταστροφές
Κουράγιο στους πυροσβέστες…
Κουράγιο στις οικογένειες των ανθρώπων…#Λεμεσος #Κυπρος #φωτια #Πυρκαγια #limassol #Cyprus 🙏🥺🇨🇾 pic.twitter.com/MpnJ9jn1Sg— Κωνσταντίνος (@Sxoliastiss) July 24, 2025
Last night, after successful drops of fire retardant liquid from the two Israeli C-130s in mountainous Limassol, gave a glimmer of hope that the nightmare will end soon. In the firefighting battle, according to yesterday’s briefing, 14 aircraft from the Republic of Cyprus were involved, plus three secondary ones, and another 2 from Egypt and 2 from Jordan operated.
Today, Friday, the third day since the deadly wildfire broke out in Cyprus, an additional 2 aircraft from Spain and 2 others from Lebanon will assist, as well as 26 forest commandos from Greece, according to philenews. At the same time, police in Cyprus maintain a strong presence in the affected areas to maintain order, provide assistance and facilitate traffic. All roads in Limassol province, primary and secondary, are open, with an appeal to citizens to be particularly careful during their movements in the fire-affected areas.
Cyprus wildfire: authorities investigating possible arson
Meanwhile, police in Cyprus have launched an investigation into how the devastating fire started and are taking statements from citizens. Yesterday, Thursday, Fire Service Chief Nikos Longinos spoke clearly about arson, as he said eyewitnesses who called the Fire Service saw the fire starting from two points, 100 meters apart from each other, specifically under a bridge where there is a garbage dump.
He spoke of “clear arson” and the details of the residents who provided the information were given to the Police Chief and TAE to locate the witnesses, while he mentioned that a fire had broken out again at the same spot a few days earlier. Furthermore, Mr. Longinos said he has already given evidence to police for investigation of the case, while he indicated that six minutes after the call his service received, a fully staffed fire truck was at the fire scene, dismissing claims of delay and negligence.
Information from philenews reports that the citizen who saw the fire outbreak has already been located, gave a statement, and statements are also being taken from area residents, firefighters who received the first call and others.
Identification of two bodies awaited
Meanwhile, identification of the two bodies through DNA testing is awaited. The investigations are being conducted by TAE Limassol. The community leader of Siliko confirmed that these are two village residents. A man and a woman had been reported missing, both elderly who own a vacation home in the village and apparently in their attempt to evacuate, they didn’t make it as their vehicle was engulfed by flames in Alassa. If it is determined that the fire was caused by arson, then police will investigate a case of double homicide.
It is also being examined whether the specific road they were traveling on should have been closed and if so, why it wasn’t closed.
