Power restored in 7 fire-stricken communities, possibly 2 more today (11:40)
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has restored power supply to seven communities affected by the wildfires in the mountainous region of Limassol, while two more generators may be added today for another two communities, said EAC Deputy Spokesperson Dimitris Nathanail in a statement to CNA on Friday morning.
He also noted that 58 utility poles have already been replaced, and that the full extent of the damage is still being assessed. According to him, the scale of destruction is nearly three times greater than that caused by the Arakapas fire in July 2021.
Mr Nathanail stated that power supply has been restored to the cores of the communities of Vasa, Vouni, Mallia, Arsos, Lofou, Agios Therapon, and Pano Kyvides. However, he clarified that the wider areas surrounding these communities are still off the grid and remain without electricity.
He added that it is likely two additional generators will be deployed for two other communities, and the suitability of the equipment is currently being evaluated.
“The situation today is very good” (10:55)
“The situation today is very good,” said the Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service, Nikos Longinos, adding that there were small flare-ups last night, but the situation has significantly improved today.
Asked whether he is optimistic that the fire will be brought under control today, Mr Longinos stated that the fire has been contained and its extent is now known. “However, we must remain vigilant. Firefighting forces will need to remain in place for the coming days. Temperatures are extremely high, humidity is low, and the terrain where the fire broke out is quite particular. A microclimate is created in these areas – as you can understand, due to gorges, rivers, or other features in the region – which contribute to wind intensifying, so we will be extremely cautious and hope to keep the fire at its current level to avoid further problems.”
In response to a question about the 26 forest commandos from Greece’s Special Forest Operations Units (EMODE), who arrived in Cyprus yesterday and were at the Operations Coordination Centre early this morning, Mr Longinos said they will assist in tackling flare-ups. “They are specially trained and will be a major help,” he noted, adding that all volunteers and Fire Service personnel will be utilised to ensure that as many resources as possible are present in all areas, so any flare-up can be dealt with immediately.
The ground support mission from Greece was carried out yesterday via the EU Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM), which was activated following a request from the Cypriot government to the Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC).
In response to another question, Mr Longinos said that the Fire Service was at the scene of the fire within 6 minutes, stressing that “when you are prepared to respond to an incident, you assess the data. There are always variables that arise which cannot be easily managed.”
“It was an unprecedented situation for Cyprus. Given the circumstances, we gave our best to save as many homes and lives as we could. Constructive criticism is welcome – there is always room for improvement. We will sit down, reflect, and assess everything. But given the information we had, all available resources were used, and all national emergency plans were activated,” he concluded.
Political presence during the Fires – Crisis management or unnecessary “show”? (10:45)
A heated debate has erupted in recent days during the major wildfire in the mountainous region of Limassol, due to the increased presence of government officials at the fire front. Ministers, MPs, and even the President of the Republic appeared at the crisis management centre, close to the fire outbreaks, accompanied by cameras, bodyguards, and entourages. AKEL even gave Erhürman a tour to show their presence…
No matter how much their intentions are labelled as “supportive” or “symbolic”, the question remains: what is the actual value of their physical presence in a space where every second counts for human life, property, and the natural environment?
There is, of course, the argument that if none of them had shown up, criticism would still have followed for their absence, and people would have demanded explanations.
At least 125 sq. km burned by the Limassol wildfire (10:15)
The deadly wildfire that broke out on 23 July in the semi-mountainous region of Limassol has left behind approximately 125 square kilometres of scorched land, according to a new analysis by the Eratosthenes Centre of Excellence. The assessment was based on high-resolution satellite data captured on 24/7/2025 at midday, with an updated estimate expected soon.
Specifically, the Centre states in its announcement that, based on data from the European Space Agency’s (ESA) WorldCover Programme, around 50% of the total burned area consists of grassland, 31% of sclerophyllous vegetation, 16% of tree cover, and 1.3% corresponds to residential zones.
It is noted that a more accurate estimate will follow, as the fire was still active at the time the data was captured. The upcoming satellite image is expected to reduce possible errors due to smoke and allow for a full damage assessment.
EAC: Power restoration in affected areas particularly difficult (9:46)
Restoring electricity in the fire-affected areas is proving particularly difficult, said Dimitris Nathanail, Acting Spokesperson for the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC), speaking on the “Proino Dromologio” programme.
He emphasised that, at present, it is not possible to provide accurate timelines for full restoration.
Mr Nathanail noted that the EAC is already supplying electricity to the cores of some communities using mobile generators.
So far, damage has been recorded to more than 400 utility poles, 50 overhead transformers, and one distribution substation.
At the same time, Mr Nathanail urged the public to exercise caution and avoid contact with exposed wires and burned electrical appliances.
Young donkeys in Omodos run to escape the fire (8:14)
During the night, small flare-ups were tackled in the communities of Pano Kyvides, Alassa, Zanakia, and Omodos.
Limassol wildfire firefighter shares emotional moment: “Today, I fell to my knees and cried…” (8:10)
A powerful and emotional post by firefighter Spyros Panagi about the battle against the flames in the Limassol district has deeply moved the public.
Satellite picture on 23 July 2025 (8:07)
Free treatment for injured animals (8:02)
The Pancyprian Veterinary Association has announced that veterinary clinics will offer their services free of charge for the treatment of injured animals from the affected areas.
“A painful disaster” (8:00)
The destruction recorded in homes, property, crops, livelihoods, and vast areas of natural environment is painful, said Commissioner for the Environment and Animal Welfare, Antonia Theodosiou, in a post on social media.
She described the ecological and economic damage as enormous and not yet fully measurable.
“Our thoughts,” she added, “are with those who are being severely tested during these difficult hours.”
The Commissioner continued by highlighting that there are other victims too — the animals.
“Pets, strays, companion animals, livestock, and wildlife.”
She also expressed her emotion and gratitude for the rescue and care efforts being made on their behalf.
Ms Theodosiou noted that she is in contact with residents of the affected areas and is also being updated by the relevant authorities.
She emphasised that the time will come to speak about potential oversights, prevention mechanisms, and nature restoration plans.
“But this moment,” she said, “is one for silence, solidarity, compassion, and action — wherever and however we can help.”
She concluded by expressing hope that this ordeal will soon come to an end.
It is also noted that the Commissioner is in communication with animal welfare organisations, particularly the team at PAW – Protecting Animals Without Shelter, to assist in the rescue and care of animals affected by the fires.
Flare-ups during the night (7:50)
During the night, small flare-ups were tackled in the communities of Pano Kyvides, Alassa, Zanakia, and Omodos.
The contribution of the National Guard’s unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) was crucial, as they patrolled and mapped the wildfire zones.
In the early morning hours, five aerial firefighting units were deployed, conducting perimetric drops to better contain the fire or targeting areas where deemed necessary following evaluation.
Last night, the two Israeli C-130 aircraft carried out retardant drops to help stabilise containment lines. Winds are expected to gradually increase again today.
All firefighting forces remain in position and are being redeployed as needed.
The Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Service is heading to the forward coordination centre.
With the first light of day, the aerial firefighting units were once again deployed to the battle. (7:40)
Police: All roads in the Limassol district are open. (7:35)
There are no issues reported on either the primary or secondary road network as a result of the wildfires that broke out in recent days.
However, citizens are urged to exercise caution when travelling, especially on secondary roads and in areas affected by the fires.
The Police continue regular patrols in the affected areas to maintain safety, provide assistance where needed, and facilitate traffic flow.
Good morning. (7:30)
There are positive signs from the Limassol fire front, as the wildfire is currently subsiding.
However, there is a high risk of flare-ups.
Omonoia 48 and ELAM join forces against a common fire threat (10:49)
In a rare and moving display of solidarity, two groups of people from completely opposing worldviews stood side by side in the effort to fight the wildfire in the mountainous region of Limassol.
The burned area in the Limassol district
