Two people are hospitalised in serious but stable condition at Nicosia General Hospital following extensive burns sustained in the major wildfire in the Limassol district, health service spokesperson Charalambos Charilaou said.
Police are investigating whether the deadly wildfire that has killed two people was deliberately set, with investigators examining witness testimony suggesting potential arson.
The blaze has generated smoke reaching Lebanon’s coast and destroyed 72 homes and 91 vehicles across the region.
The patients are not intubated, but have large burn surfaces and their condition is considered serious, Charilaou said. The two fatalities were a Greek Cypriot couple from Monagri who died when their vehicle was engulfed by flames whilst attempting to flee the fire.
Smoke from the wildfire has engulfed Cyprus and reached the Lebanese coast, the Meteorological Department told Philenews. The ERATOSTHENES Centre of Excellence reported the fire has burned more than 120 square kilometres, with winds contributing to smoke transport across Limassol and affecting air quality.
Medical response
Sixteen people received medical care at Limassol Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department, presenting respiratory difficulties, burns and other injuries. Five were admitted to wards whilst others were discharged. The two most seriously injured were transferred to Nicosia.
Two additional admissions were recorded at Troodos Hospital due to respiratory problems.
A first aid station established in Erimi examined approximately 40 people and remains active, providing medical support and transfers to Limassol Hospital when necessary.
Health Minister Michalis Damianos said health services remain on alert throughout the day, with the ministry following protocols precisely.
“Services are on alert to treat anyone requiring care,” Damianos said after visiting Nicosia General Hospital. “Cases appearing in recent hours are mainly respiratory, receiving first aid but not serious cases requiring admission.”
Damage assessment ongoing
Deputy Limassol District Officer Electra Panayiotou said from the coordination centre in Ypsonas that active fire sources prevent damage assessment teams from beginning work.
“It was not possible to send our crews to begin recording damage,” she said.
The District Administration has received telephone calls from fire-affected residents since morning, officials said.
Thirty-eight people received first aid at centres initially established in Kivides then moved to Erimi through Thursday morning. Twelve people required first aid in Malia community today, mainly for respiratory problems provided by the Ambulance Service.
Asked about the burn patients’ condition, Damianos said one case is more serious than the other but noted both are “out of danger.”
“The remaining cases in Limassol are not so serious,” he said.
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