Filenews 25 July 2025 - by Ioanna Mantziapa
Third day of battle with the deadly fire in Limassol, which left behind black, ash and despair for hundreds of our fellow citizens, who lost their homes and their lives within a short time. The disaster is huge, as it spreads over an area of more than 120 square kilometers, with the smoke travelling to the coast of Lebanon.
As Filenews is informed, the picture from the front is much better at the moment. The night flare-ups were dealt with in very early stages and there are no active fronts. In combat and aircraft.
Last night, after the successful drops of retardant fire extinguishing fluid from the two Israeli C-130s in mountainous Limassol, opened a glimmer of hope that the nightmare will soon end.
Yesterday, the fire that broke out at noon on Wednesday in the mountainous district of Limassol developed into new fronts, causing incalculable damage and plunging entire communities into despair.
27 aircraft were deployed
In the battle of extinguishing, according to yesterday's briefing, there were 14 aircraft of the Republic of Cyprus, plus three secondary ones, and 2 + 2 (Egypt and Jordan).
Today the two Spanish and two more from Lebanon will help.
On the front today are 26 forest commandos from Greece.
All developments minute by minute:
9:40 – Lifesaving First Responders
The Lifesaving First Aid team for the second day is in the affected areas to provide first aid.
9:00 – The fateful moments before the tragedy with the elderly couple
The fateful moments before the tragedy are described by the community leader of Sylikos, Nikos Arestis, in his intervention on the Morning Itinerary of CyBC, denouncing serious mistakes and omissions. They started ringing the bells of the village, so that people would gather in the village square and be informed.
8:25 – The 26 forest commandos of Greece are on the scene
The 26 forest commanders of the Special Units of Forestry Operations (E.MO.D.E.) from Greece are at the Operations Coordination Center for extinguishing the fires in Ypsonas, where they are briefed by Chief Fire Chief Nikos Longinos.
It is recalled that the mission of the ground forces from Greece was carried out yesterday through the European Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), which was activated at the request of the Cypriot government to the European Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC).
7:40 – There is a fear for the Troodos forest
There is always a fear for the Troodos forest, said the spokesman of the Department of Forests, Giorgos Constantinou, who however said that the Department of Forests remains in the area to avoid the possibility of a resurgence. "All our forces remain in the region in order to avoid the possibility of a resurgence that could develop into a fire," he said.
He described as very difficult the front that existed in Omodos yesterday, which threatened Omodos and by extension the Troodos Forest, and added that "thanks to the enormous efforts of the Department of Forests, this difficult front was successfully addressed". He also said that there were minor episodes of revivals, especially in the area of Koilani and Afamis, which were extinguished.
7:15 – Painful destruction of houses, property, crops, says Environment Commissioner
The destruction recorded in homes, properties, crops, livelihoods and large areas of natural environment is painful, says the Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Antonia Theodosiou, in a post on Social Media, describing the ecological and economic damage as enormous, which cannot yet be fully assessed. Our thoughts, adds Mrs. Theodosiou, are close to those who are being severely tested at these times.
In this disaster, he continued, there are other victims, the animals. Domesticated, strays, companion animals, productive animals and wildlife. She also expressed her emotion and gratitude for their rescue and care efforts.
Commissioner Antonia Theodosiou also noted that she is in contact with a resident of the affected areas and is informed about the developments by the competent Services. He also pointed out that the time will come to refer to any omissions, prevention mechanisms, nature restoration plans.
The Commissioner is in contact with animal welfare organisations and in particular with the PAW-Protecting animals without shelter team to help rescue and care for animals affected by the fires. Finally, the Pancyprian Veterinary Association informs, as it said, that veterinary clinics will offer their services for the care of injured animals from the affected areas free of charge.
7:00 – Small flare-ups at night
During the night, small flare-ups were dealt with by the communities of Pano Kivida, Alassa, Zanakia and Omodos, the spokesman of the Fire Brigade, Andreas Kettis, says in a post.
The contribution of drones of the Hellenic Armed Forces was decisive. who patrolled and mapped the fire. In the early hours of the morning, five aerial firefighting vehicles took off and proceed to perimeter drops to the fire for better demarcation or where necessary after evaluation.
In the evening, the two Israeli C130s proceeded with drops of retardant material for stability in the demarcation. Winds are forecast to gradually increase again today. The firefighting forces all remain in their positions and move accordingly. The Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service goes to the coordination center.
6:39 – All roads open in the Limassol district
All roads in the Limassol district are open, according to the Police.
As stated in the morning briefing on the road network, "in the primary and secondary road network, there is no problem as a result of the fires that broke out in the last few days". However, it adds, "citizens are urged to be particularly careful during their movements, especially on the secondary road network and in the areas affected by the fires".
The Police systematically continue patrolling the affected areas with the aim of maintaining safety, providing assistance where needed, as well as facilitating traffic.
6:35 – Circulation and reproduction of fake news
In the last few hours, the circulation and reproduction of fake news has been observed, which does not correspond to reality, the Police said in a statement.
Some of these posts concern the fire fronts, the points of resurgence, alleged instructions from the Police to citizens to stay in their homes and extinguish fires on their own. The public is requested not to be carried away by false news spread and not to adopt or reproduce unconfirmed information.
It is recommended that the information be provided by official sources and announcements of the competent state services. Also, citizens are invited to address the competent authorities themselves for any question or need for support.
6:30 – Fire from a human factor – They are looking for testimonies
The Police began taking testimonies from persons who saw the "O" point of the deadly fire, which seems to have broken out from the community of Malia in mountainous Limassol, in order to clarify whether it is arson or due to the operation of a garbage dump
