In one of the most powerful and heart-wrenching images to emerge from the devastating wildfires in Limassol, two Civil Defence volunteers are seen carrying an elderly man to safety, his frail arms draped over their shoulders. Smoke and fire swirl around them, but they move with purpose — not just fighting flames, but fighting for life.
This image, shared by Cyprus Civil Defence under the caption “Ο παππούς που έγινε παππούς μας” (“The grandfather who became everyone’s grandfather”), has captured the nation’s heart. It tells a story far beyond what words alone can express — a story of courage, compassion, and the quiet heroism of those who show up when it matters most.
Surrounded by flames, saved by strangers
The grandfather was unable to evacuate on his own. Trapped in his home as the wildfire rapidly closed in, his fate could have ended in tragedy. But the volunteers of the Civil Defence, while already engaged in the frontlines of firefighting operations, spotted the man in danger and didn’t hesitate. They stormed into the blaze, lifted him up, and carried him to safety — every step through smoke and chaos a testament to their resolve.
Their act wasn’t only a rescue — it was a statement: in moments of fear and destruction, humanity shines brightest.
The fire that ravaged Limassol
The rescue occurred amid one of Cyprus’s most dangerous wildfire outbreaks in recent years. According to reports from SigmaLive English, flare-ups continued to threaten communities near Limassol even after initial containment. Authorities warned of the extreme danger of rekindled blazes, particularly under hot, windy conditions. Investigations also point to possible arson as a contributing factor, with police actively probing several suspicious fire origins.
Two human lives were taken, the affected regions saw homes destroyed, farmland scorched, and wildlife habitats reduced to ash. Despite the devastation, stories like this grandfather’s rescue bring hope — proof that even in the darkest hour, people rise to protect one another.
Citizens mobilised — when the state stood still
Equally powerful was the spontaneous and emotional mobilisation of ordinary citizens across Cyprus. As the flames consumed lives and landscapes, people ran to help: gathering food, clothes, and essential supplies, opening their homes to host the displaced, and organising community-level aid faster than any official directive. This wave of solidarity filled the vacuum left by a state that, in critical moments, remained more an observer than a protector. While the institutions struggled with coordination, equipment shortages, and systemic gaps, the people themselves reminded us what a nation truly means — not just laws and borders, but humanity, empathy, and collective strength.
Honouring our volunteers
The volunteers of the Civil Defence have become the unsung heroes of this crisis. With limited resources, immense risk, and no promise of reward, they put themselves in harm’s way to safeguard neighbours, strangers, and entire communities. Their actions remind us that resilience is not just found in firetrucks and helicopters — it is found in human hearts, in arms that lift, and in feet that keep walking forward through the smoke.
To every volunteer who carried, comforted, defended, or simply stood by someone in need — thank you.
A symbol for Cyprus
This image of the grandfather being carried to safety is not just a photo — it’s a symbol. A symbol of the Cyprus we all believe in: united, humane, fearless in solidarity.
In a crisis marked by loss, it is the humanity that will be remembered.
“The grandfather who became everyone’s grandfather.
In the photo, Civil Defence volunteers are seen carrying an elderly resident from a fire-stricken community who was unable to move on his own, while simultaneously battling the surrounding blaze.
We thank the Civil Defence volunteers for your superhuman and selfless efforts.”
Also read: Fire-affected person in tears: “The children were saved… the dogs found”
