There are no active fronts from the Limassol wildfire, but the risk of flare-ups around the entire perimeter of the burned area remains high, according to an update from the Operations Coordination Centre in Limassol.
The same update states that on Friday, several flare-ups were recorded and all were brought under control. Flare-ups are being dealt with by firefighting teams, while all forces remain on high alert as flare-ups may still occur in the coming days. As mentioned, “we cannot yet say that the danger has passed.”
Meanwhile, according to Civil Defence, tonight its specialised drones will be deployed and will patrol the affected areas, providing real-time imagery from locations where flare-ups are likely. The aim is to ensure immediate response by firefighting forces to any renewed outbreaks.
SigmaLive English continues to report the most important developments minute by minute.
LIVE UPDATES:
Heartbreaking images (23:01)
Ambulance Service handled a total of 70 incidents (22:46)
The Ambulance Service handled a total of 70 incidents, 16 of which required transport by ambulance to Limassol General Hospital for further care, said Riana Konstantinou, Head of the Ambulance Service of the State Health Services Organisation (OKYPY), in a statement to CNA.
In response to a relevant question, Ms Konstantinou stated that from the very first moment the crisis plan was activated, the Ambulance Service implemented its operational response plan in collaboration with the Minister of Health and the OKYPY Administration, deploying resources on the ground.
Specifically, a medical centre was set up at the Erimi stadium to receive members of the public seeking any form of medical assistance, aiming to ease the burden on hospitals and provide immediate support to people in need.
“We deployed around nine ambulances along the entire stretch of the wildfire. Ambulance response was continuous and 24/7, with significant staff on site. This setup helped us manage every incident that needed attention, in coordination with the Fire Service Centre established at the Kourion Town Hall. We managed incidents directly in the field, at the fire sites. In total, we handled around 70 incidents, 16 of which were transported by ambulance to Limassol General Hospital for further treatment,” she added.
Ms Konstantinou continued that some of the cases were very serious, while others were of moderate severity, but all were dealt with appropriately.
She also mentioned that, in cooperation with Civil Defence, people who were bedridden but not facing medical issues were transported from their homes to safer areas by the Ambulance Service together with volunteer rescue teams.
She noted that the way the Erimi Centre was set up, along with the strategic placement of ambulances, meant that no lives were put at risk when help was needed. “I won’t comment on the fatalities, as those were not cases we could have changed, but at least we were able to respond to all emergencies that came to our attention,” she said.
When it was remarked that the Ambulance Service is always on the front line, Ms Konstantinou replied, “Yes, because that is our role.”
“The Ambulance Service is out there, it exists for the citizens, for their safety, for the people, and for that reason we are always operationally ready to support any emergency — especially in the face of a disaster of this scale,” she concluded.
SIGMA report from the scorched earth – “They simply abandoned us” (22:20)
Even God is weeping. Ashes, charred remains, an endless grey stretching across dozens of square kilometres—where trees once stood, now there is only the stench of smoke and death.
The mountainous region of Limassol, from Souni to Omodos, has been transformed into a vast landscape of devastation.
Battles with flare-ups shown on a map (21:55)
Crucial contribution of C-130 aircraft in firefighting efforts (21:18)
The dispersal of fire retardant material by the two Israeli C-130 aircraft proved to be crucial in the firefighting efforts. The planes flew over the Omodos area on Thursday night, reinforcing the Cypriot firefighting forces in their attempt to contain the large wildfire, according to a press release issued by the Embassy of Israel.
EAC on alert – Which areas remain without electricity (21:11)
The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) is on high alert, as several areas remain without electricity following the recent events.
Clarifying statement by Hartsiotis regarding the two victims of the deadly wildfire (21:05)
Justice and Public Order Minister Marios Charchiotis issued a clarifying statement concerning the tragic death of an elderly couple inside a vehicle during the course of the major wildfire.
Coordination Centre: No active fire fronts in Limassol – Flare-ups brought under control (21:00)
There are currently no active fire fronts from the Limassol wildfire, but the risk of flare-ups remains high along the entire perimeter of the affected area, according to an update from the Firefighting Operations Coordination Centre in Limassol.
The update notes that several flare-ups occurred on Friday, but all were successfully brought under control. Firefighting teams continue to respond to any new flare-ups, and all forces remain on high alert, as additional flare-ups may occur in the coming days. As stated, “we cannot yet say the danger has passed.”
Meanwhile, according to Civil Defence, tonight their specialised drones will be deployed and will patrol the area, providing real-time aerial monitoring of locations where flare-ups could occur. The goal is to ensure immediate response by firefighting units to any new outbreaks.
Cyta announces support measures for wildfire-affected residents (20:50)
Cyta has announced a series of support measures for residents and businesses in all communities affected by the wildfire in the Limassol district.
According to the announcement, no Cyta customer impacted by the fire will be disconnected due to an unpaid July bill. Furthermore, for the month of August, the organisation will waive charges for mobile and fixed telephony, Cytavision (TV), and internet services for customers residing in the affected communities. Charges related to roaming and premium services are excluded.
Cyta also states it remains in constant communication with the relevant authorities and continues to closely monitor developments, ready to adjust its support as needed. Additionally, the organisation is assessing the possibility of further actions to contribute to the broader effort to restore the affected areas.
Cyta further notes that it mobilised teams to restore mobile connectivity in the fire-hit areas, using generators to ensure power supply where it had been cut off, and continues to work intensively until full restoration of all services is achieved.
Police to assess fines issued by mobile speed cameras during wildfires (20:40)
Following yesterday’s update from the Communication Branch of the Police Headquarters regarding mobile traffic enforcement cameras in the Limassol district, it has been decided that the Police will assess all cases recorded by mobile speed cameras that coincide with the timeline of the deadly wildfire in affected and neighbouring areas of Limassol.
After this assessment, the cases will be forwarded to the Attorney General of the Republic, who is responsible for deciding whether these fines will be cancelled. The Chief of Police and the Deputy Attorney General have already held consultations on the matter.
It is also noted that, as of 24 July 2025, the Police leadership issued instructions to the contracted company operating the mobile cameras to suspend their use throughout the Limassol district until Monday, 28 July 2025, due to the ongoing emergency caused by the wildfires.
