A fast-moving wildfire broke out near the village of Malia in the Limassol district, prompting urgent evacuations as flames spread rapidly across dry, mountainous terrain. Jordan has sent firefighting aircraft, and the European Union’s Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated to assist Cyprus in battling the blaze.
Fueled by strong winds and high temperatures, the fire quickly approached residential areas, threatening several nearby communities including Vasa Koilaniou, Koilani, and Potamiou. The blaze erupted during the early afternoon and intensified throughout the day, driven by gusts reaching up to 8 on the Beaufort scale and humidity levels dipping below 25%.
Emergency response and evacuations
Residents of Malia and surrounding villages were instructed to evacuate immediately as the fire encroached on homes. Many were relocated to temporary shelters in safer areas, including the community center in Pachna. Emergency services, including fire crews, forestry teams, civil defense units, and volunteers, were deployed to combat the flames on multiple fronts.
At least six firefighting aircraft, including two helicopters, were dispatched under the “Ikaros II” emergency response plan. The United Kingdom’s Sovereign Base Areas provided aerial assistance, while Jordan responded with firefighting aircraft and personnel as part of international support efforts.
Local reports indicate that multiple homes have been destroyed, particularly in the Malia and Vasa Koilaniou areas. One individual sustained serious burns and was transported to Limassol General Hospital for treatment. Some residents expressed frustration over what they described as a delayed response by firefighting units, claiming that initial crews arrived more than an hour after the first emergency calls.
Several roads, including those linking Malia to Omodos and Arsos, were closed to traffic as part of the containment efforts. Firefighters continued to work through the night in difficult conditions, aiming to prevent the blaze from spreading further into residential zones and forested areas.
Broader Context: A Summer of Risk
This incident highlights growing concerns over Cyprus’ vulnerability to wildfires amid a prolonged period of drought and extreme heat. July has seen record-high temperatures across the island, and the combination of dry vegetation and strong winds has created a volatile environment for fires to ignite and spread.
Authorities are urging the public to avoid outdoor activities that could spark additional fires, including open burning, barbecues, and careless disposal of cigarette butts. The Forestry Department also issued a red alert level for wildfire risk, warning that conditions remain extremely dangerous.
Firefighting efforts are expected to continue over the coming days, with teams monitoring for flare-ups and conducting mop-up operations in affected areas. Damage assessments are underway, and local officials have pledged to support displaced residents with emergency aid and housing.
As Cyprus continues to face the growing impacts of climate change, officials are calling for increased investment in fire prevention infrastructure and faster international coordination when disasters strike.
