wildfire damage — The wildfire damage in Cyprus reached an alarming estimated €134.6 million in 2025, driven primarily by human activity. A single devastating wildfire in the Limassol mountains last July was largely responsible, scorching approximately 120 square kilometres of vegetation, vineyards, and woodland.
Wildfire damage: Significant Impact of July Wildfire
This wildfire accounted for the majority of the €120.6 million in wildland fire damage recorded for the year, a stark contrast to the €2.9 million in rural fire damage logged in 2024. The destruction included homes, vehicles, machinery, and critical infrastructure such as electricity and telecommunications.
Fire Statistics for 2025
The Fire Service responded to a total of 7,154 fires across Cyprus in 2025, marking a 6.51% rise compared to the previous year. Of these incidents, 3,569 occurred in rural areas while 3,585 were in urban settings. More than 94% of these fires were attributed to human activity, with the damage figures being approximate estimates compiled for internal purposes.
Burnt Area and Year-on-Year Comparisons
The total area burnt across the island reached 133.46 square kilometres, a sharp increase from just 16.47 square kilometres in 2024. Outdoor fires surged by 8.81% year-on-year, with the most significant increases seen in the early months: January (+30.26%), February (+33.88%), and March (+18.60%). These spikes were linked to persistent drought conditions from late 2024 and issues such as faulty chimneys and fireplaces.
Seasonal Trends and Causes of Fires
April registered a 40.95% increase in fires, primarily due to Easter bonfires and the open burning of waste. Alarmingly, 87.59% of outdoor fires—3,126 out of 3,569—were the result of lighting fires without a permit, which is classified as a malicious act. In particular, the Limassol and Paphos districts faced a troubling number of deliberate fires, as indicated by arrests and witness accounts.
Urban Fire Trends
Urban fires also saw a rise, increasing by 4.31% to a total of 3,585 incidents. Leading causes included electrical faults, appliance failures, vehicle fires, and discarded cigarettes, alongside arson and improper use of heating and cooking equipment. Notably, human factors accounted for over 95% of urban fires.
Casualties and Public Awareness
In terms of human impact, 45 individuals were rescued, injured, or killed in fires during 2025, a decrease from 61 in the previous year. Additionally, the Fire Service rescued 2,307 people from various emergencies, including road accidents and workplace incidents.
False Alarms on the Rise
False alarms also surged, climbing by 34.2% to a total of 988 calls. The Fire Service noted that 97% of these were made in good faith, highlighting a growing public awareness surrounding fire prevention.
Looking Ahead
As Cyprus grapples with the ongoing threat of wildfires, particularly those driven by human actions, the need for effective prevention strategies and public education is more crucial than ever. Both the government and community members must be vigilant in mitigating the risks that lead to such devastating fires.
