Cyprus wildfire kills 2, injures 14 as blaze spreads across southern villages
A wildfire burning north of Limassol, Cyprus, has scorched over 10 000 ha (24 700 acres) of forest and farmland and has killed two people as of July 24, 2025. The blaze, which ignited around midday on July 23, prompted evacuation of 14 villages and injured at least 14 others amid an intense heatwave and severe drought. Firefighting crews, supported by aircraft from Spain, Jordan and the UK, are continuing to combat flare-ups.
Image credit: paowarriors
A wildfire that began around midday on July 23, has consumed more than 10 000 ha (24 700 acres) of terrain north of Limassol in southern Cyprus.
The fire has killed at least two individuals, injured at least 14, including two with severe burns, and triggered evacuations in 14 villages along a roughly 14 km (8.7 miles) mountain stretch.
Among the fatalities, police discovered two bodies inside a burned-out vehicle on the Monagri–Alassa road; identification is ongoing. Medical facilities in Limassol and Nicosia treated the injured for burns and respiratory problems, with two patients transferred to a specialized burns unit.
The fire spread rapidly under extreme weather conditions, with temperatures reaching 43°C (109.4°F) on July 23 and forecasts predicting highs up to 44°C (111.2°F).
Massive wildfires rage in Limassol Valley, Cyprus, amid 45°C heatwave. Footage shows rugged terrain and active fire fronts. Satellite hotspots detected, @CopernicusEMS burned areas will go live once availible. #Limassol #Paphos #Cyprus pic.twitter.com/GYEsSmXUcr
— FireMap.live (@disaster_db) July 23, 2025
Shifting winds and tinder-dry vegetation, left after three consecutive years of drought, intensified fire behavior and complicated containment efforts. Fire crews have also been hampered by critically low water reserves, with Kouris Dam, the island’s largest, down to just 15.5% of its capacity.
By the morning of July 24, authorities reported no fully active fire front, but substantial flare-ups persisted. Firefighting efforts include up to 14 aircraft, with aerial water drops over hard-to-reach areas. Under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Spain committed two firefighting aircraft, Jordan two helicopters, and the UK’s RAF dispatched a Chinook from Akrotiri.
Ground crews comprising 16 fire vehicles and 36 Civil Defence personnel are still actively conducting suppression and damage assessments.
Evacuees currently number between 70 and 100, based on varying reports, and are housed in shelters set up in Erimi, Episkopi, Trimiklini, Pahna, among others. Some residents have criticized early evacuation protocols as disorganised, especially concerning a summer camp in Lofou.
I'm a dedicated researcher, journalist, and editor at The Watchers. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, I specialize in hard science news, focusing on extreme weather, seismic and volcanic activity, space weather, and astronomy, including near-Earth objects and planetary defense strategies. You can reach me at teo /at/ watchers.news.
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