Two people have been confirmed dead, dozens of homes have been destroyed, and over 100 square kilometers of land scorched as wildfires continue to devastate parts of Cyprus, particularly in the Limassol and Paphos districts. The blaze, which began earlier this week, quickly spread due to dry conditions and shifting winds, prompting a full-scale national emergency response.

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According to Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis, the fire in Limassol alone has consumed around 100 km², with intense flare-ups continuing despite no currently active front. “We have deployed all our available resources, including 13 aerial firefighting units,” he said, adding that the situation could worsen as winds are expected to intensify.

The deadliest development came on Wednesday night, when Civil Defense units discovered two charred bodies inside a burnt vehicle on the Monagri–Alassa road. Police confirmed that identification efforts are ongoing.

In the village of Lofou, roughly 50 residents were temporarily trapped overnight as fire approached the area. Village leader Yiannos Neophytou said about 20 houses were destroyed on the northern edge of the community. “We stayed overnight at the school, then returned home at dawn,” he noted. While residents are now safe, the village remains without electricity and shows visible signs of damage, with smoke still rising from some homes.

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In parallel, a second fire in the Paphos district has scorched protected Natura 2000 zones and agricultural land, including areas around the Ezousa River and the communities of Agia Varvara and Amargeti. Nicos Kassinis, a senior official at the Game and Fauna Service, called the environmental damage "immense," warning that the full extent will only be known once the fires are extinguished.

The government activated the “Ikaros II” emergency response plan, which includes coordinated aerial firefighting efforts. As part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, Spain has responded positively to Cyprus’ request for help, preparing to dispatch two additional firefighting aircraft.

Interior Ministry teams have also begun assessing property damage in affected villages in the Limassol region. Residents whose homes, businesses, or vehicles were damaged are being asked to contact local authorities to report losses.

While the immediate threat appears contained for now, authorities remain on high alert. With strong winds and high temperatures continuing, officials warn that the situation could quickly escalate again.

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