A large fire raging across Limassol province has forced the evacuation of multiple communities and left two people hospitalised with burns, whilst President Christodoulides arrived at the crisis coordination centre.
The blaze has destroyed homes and vehicles across several villages, with emergency services conducting continuous civilian rescues. A field first aid station treated at least 10 cases of respiratory difficulties and eye problems before being relocated due to safety concerns. Over 250 personnel from across Cyprus are now battling the flames, with aerial operations suspended until tomorrow morning.
Critical evacuations underway
Communities including Agios Amvrosios, Kyvides, Souni, Loofou, and Vasa Koilaniou have been evacuated, with roads closed between Trimiklini-Lania-Alassa and Vouni-Agios Amvrosios-Kyvides. Civil defence units are also evacuating camping sites at Platres, Pera Pedi, and Agia Mavri.
Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis described the situation as “uncontrollable” around the communities of Malia, Vouni, Vasa, Loofou, Potamiou, and Agios Therapon. The fire has reached the centre of Loofou village, where the structural integrity of buildings is spreading the flames further.
Medical response activated
Two people have been hospitalised with burns at Limassol General Hospital, with one requiring potential transfer to the burns unit in Nicosia. Emergency departments across public hospitals and the Nicosia burns unit are on full alert, with three ambulances and specialised helicopter medical teams deployed to the scene.
Presidential visit and government response
President Christodoulides, accompanied by Police Chief Themistos Arnaoutis and Government Spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis, arrived at the Agios Amvrosios crisis centre. The President emphasised that preventing human casualties remains the primary concern, noting that weather conditions are hampering firefighting efforts.
“The state will compensate for economic losses in due course,” Christodoulides stated, whilst making a public appeal for residents to follow authorities’ instructions.
Multiple active fire fronts
The wildfire originated in Malia community and has spread rapidly due to strong southwestern winds reaching 8 Beaufort scale, with temperatures at 38.3°C and humidity below 20%. Active fronts are moving from Agia Mavri towards Koilani, with additional blazes in Vouni and Vasa Koilaniou.
The Forestry Department has assumed responsibility for the northeastern section of the fire front, covering areas from Omodos to Koilani and Agios Georgios Sylikou. Fourteen aircraft are now involved in firefighting operations, with assistance requested from neighbouring countries.
Community leaders report extensive damage
Therapon Chrysostomou, community leader of Agios Therapon, described the situation as “desperate,” reporting multiple houses destroyed with damage currently incalculable. In Vasa Koilaniou, community leader Michalis Mosfillis said residents are fighting the flames alone, with no fire engines or aircraft visible in their area.
“We haven’t seen a fire engine yet, nor have there been any aircraft drops,” Mosfillis stated, adding that electricity and water supplies have been cut.
Infrastructure impact
The fire services and police coordination centre has been relocated for safety reasons after the Agios Amvrosios area became surrounded by flames. A children’s camp near Loofou community was evacuated preventively, with children transferred to safety by parent associations.
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