Limassol: The Fire Service announced today an increase in the total number of fires by 6.51% compared to the previous year, with financial damages from these incidents estimated to be approximately pound 134,576,665 for 2025. This increase is largely attributed to a significant fire in the mountainous area of Limassol. The Fire Service highlighted that over 94% of fires are due to human factors and activities. In 2025, the burned area of the countryside amounted to 133.46 square kilometers, an increase of 116.99 square kilometers compared to 2024.
According to Cyprus News Agency, statistical data for 2025 shows the Fire Service responded to a total of 13,401 calls for assistance, which included fires, special services, and false alarms. Specifically, the Fire Service attended to 7,154 fires across Cyprus, comprising 3,569 wildfires and 3,585 urban fires, marking an overall increase of 6.51%.
Wildfires showed a notable rise, with the total number reaching 3,569 in 2025, representing an 8.81% increase from 2024's figure of 3,280. The Fire Service noted significant monthly increases, particularly in January (+30.26%), February (+33.88%), and March (+18.60%), primarily due to a drought that spanned from late 2024 to early 2025, as well as defective chimneys and fireplaces. Additionally, April saw a 40.95% rise in wildfires, attributed to bonfires and the burning of waste during Easter celebrations.
The report emphasized that 87.59% of outdoor fires in 2025 were due to unauthorized fire lighting, classified as "malicious acts," with human factors contributing to over 94% of wildfires.
Urban fires also saw a 4.31% increase, with 3,585 incidents recorded in 2025 compared to 3,437 in 2024. The Fire Department highlighted the expansion of burned countryside areas, notably due to a devastating fire in July in Limassol's mountainous region, which consumed approximately 120 km² of dry grass, wild vegetation, and infrastructure, including assets of the Cyprus Electricity Authority and the Cyprus Telecommunications Authority.
The financial damage for 2025 is reported to have significantly increased. The estimated damages amount to pound 134,576,665, with pound 14,018,680 pertaining to urban fires and pound 120,557,985 to wildfires. In contrast, 2024 saw total damages of pound 29,580,390, with pound 26,702,420 related to urban fires and pound 2,877,970 to wildfires. The extensive destruction from the Limassol fire in July largely contributed to this rise in financial damage.
In terms of human impact, the Fire Service reported 45 people rescued, injured, or killed in fires in 2025, a decrease from 61 in 2024. Meanwhile, responses by Special Services in 2025 slightly decreased by 1.09% from the previous year. The Fire Service also rescued 2,307 people from various emergencies, including road and work accidents, and from dangerous situations in tall buildings, cliffs, water surfaces, and mountainous regions in 2025.