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- The fire burned more than 100 square kilometres and spread at 60 to 63 metres per minute, according to a report by US experts.
- Commissioner Charalambos Christofinas said 91 families still live in rented accommodation, and full recovery depends on displaced residents returning home.
- The government has allocated €63 million for recovery, with €28 million already spent on repairs, assistance, tax relief and compensation processing.
- Authorities say Cyprus is better prepared for wildfires, with extra funding, rapid-response stations and improved cooperation among emergency services and local authorities.
One year has passed since the devastating wildfire that claimed two lives, scorched more than 100 square kilometres of land and caused extensive damage across 15 communities in the western mountainous region of Limassol.
The anniversary also serves as a stark reminder of the challenges Cyprus faces in preventing and managing natural disasters. Investigators concluded that the fire was caused by the careless disposal of a cigarette, underlining the importance of public awareness and responsibility in protecting the island’s natural environment.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Commissioner for the Development of Mountain Communities Charalambos Christofinas and Limassol Communities Union President Lefteris Periklis described the disaster as an unprecedented tragedy that left lasting trauma for those who experienced it.
Recovery continues one year later
Christofinas said the fire spread with exceptional speed, a finding also highlighted in a report by US experts. According to the report, the area’s topography allowed the blaze to spread in every direction, regardless of the prevailing strong winds, at a rate of 60 to 63 metres per minute.
He urged the public to protect Cyprus’ “green lung”, stressing that safeguarding the countryside is essential for the country’s future.
While life in the mountainous Limassol region has largely returned to normal, Christofinas said full recovery will only be achieved when every displaced resident is able to return home. He noted that 91 families are still living in rented accommodation supported by government subsidies.
€63 million recovery programme
According to Christofinas, the government has allocated a budget of €63 million for recovery measures linked to the Limassol wildfire, with €28 million already spent.
He said major restoration works, including the repair of electricity and water supplies, emergency assistance for affected residents and a one-year tax relief scheme worth nearly €670,000 for permanent residents, have already been completed.
Authorities have also processed 931 applications relating to partially or fully destroyed properties. Almost all affected residents have now been informed of compensation decisions, with only around 13 complex cases still under assessment.
Additional assistance has been approved for eligible underinsured property owners, while extensions were granted to owners of unlicensed buildings so they could obtain the necessary permits and qualify for full compensation. Those unable to secure permits will receive 25% compensation.
Christofinas added that the Limassol District Local Government Organisation has established a dedicated team to speed up licensing procedures for affected residents.
Support for young families and vineyards
The Commissioner also said the Council of Ministers approved a scheme allowing young couples affected by the disaster to access available building plots, either within their communities or elsewhere, under affordable financing conditions.
He highlighted a further €23 million programme by the Ministry of Agriculture aimed at revitalising the region and supporting vineyard replanting, which will also strengthen natural firebreaks.
Stronger fire prevention measures
Reflecting on lessons learned from the disaster, Christofinas said Cyprus is now in a much stronger position regarding wildfire preparedness.
Communities have received additional funding for vegetation clearance and the purchase of firefighting vehicles. A further €1 million has been invested in permanent rapid-response stations across Cyprus, equipped with specialised firefighting and water tanker vehicles.
He said there is now broad recognition that the state responded quickly to support affected residents and that recovery projects are progressing as planned.
Communities rebuilding
Limassol Communities Union President Lefteris Periklis described last year’s events as deeply traumatic, saying communities are still rebuilding.
He welcomed the implementation of many government commitments and said cooperation between local authorities, the Fire Service, Police, the Department of Forests and other agencies has improved emergency preparedness.
Preventive measures this year include enhanced patrols, greater use of technology and the deployment of additional water tankers. He also urged the public to remain vigilant when visiting the countryside.
Periklis acknowledged that some compensation cases involving unlicensed buildings remain unresolved and expressed hope they would be handled with sensitivity.
He said the Communities Union is satisfied with the government’s humanitarian response and remains optimistic that outstanding issues will be resolved.
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