Two dead, 26 injured as Cyprus battles worst wildfire in 50 years

Cyprus is facing its most devastating wildfire in half a century, with at least two people dead and 26 injured as fires continue to rage across rural areas of Limassol and Paphos provinces.

The blazes, which began on Wednesday, have scorched vast swathes of forest — satellite images show over 120 square kilometres burned in Limassol alone — and forced mass evacuations. Rescue teams found two charred bodies inside vehicles on the Monagri–Alassa road in Limassol’s Lofou region, where several villagers were trapped by advancing flames.

Among the injured are 10 firefighters and 16 civilians, all receiving treatment at hospitals across the south. Power outages hit parts of Limassol and Paphos, adding to the chaos, while a “Yellow Code” weather alert remains in place due to soaring temperatures exceeding 44°C.

Police are investigating arson as a possible cause of the Limassol fire. A spokesperson for the Greek Cypriot Administration, Constantinos Letymbiotis, said the investigation into the origin of the fires is ongoing.

Nearly 300 firefighters, volunteers, and 18 aircraft have been deployed to control the flames. While the Paphos blaze is reportedly partially contained, efforts in Limassol remain intense. Fire conditions have also disrupted air traffic, causing delays at both Larnaca and Paphos airports.

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