The Government Spokesman, Konstantinos Letymbiotis, provided an update today on the investigations being carried out by American experts into the devastating wildfires in Limassol, as well as touching on broader issues such as the Cyprus problem, energy matters, and international affairs.
Speaking to reporters at the Presidential Palace, Letymbiotis confirmed that US investigators have successfully identified both the exact point of origin and the causes of the Limassol fire. The findings, presented in detail to President Nikos Christodoulides, mark a significant step forward in understanding one of the most destructive disasters of recent years.
American expertise in action
The team involved comes from the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), a specialised unit under the US Department of Justice with extensive experience in fire investigations. This team has conducted missions in 44 countries worldwide, offering advanced technical knowledge and expertise in complex fire cases.
According to Letymbiotis, the ATF delegation presented a comprehensive methodology to the President. They compiled a detailed timeline drawing on data from all relevant Cypriot services, as well as conducting personal interviews, requesting additional information during their stay, and carrying out daily on-site inspections. Advanced technologies were also employed, including computer simulations and forensic analysis.
“What emerges from today’s presentation is that they have identified the exact starting point of the fire and its causes,” said Letymbiotis. He added that the ATF team will prepare and submit their official report within the next two weeks. This report will form the basis of the government’s evaluation and the next steps to be taken.
A single point of origin
Asked by journalists, Letymbiotis stressed that the fire was traced back to a single point of origin. “From their findings, based on highly scientific methods, it is clear that there was one focus- one location where the fire began,” he said.
He further noted that the ATF team, in cooperation with their counterparts in the United States, have reached clear conclusions about the precise causes. “On the basis of these findings, a thorough assessment will be made of everything that happened that day, everything available to us as a Republic, and the conditions and challenges that must be considered in the context of both the European Union and the Republic of Cyprus, particularly given the pressures of climate change.”
Will the report be published?
Asked whether the full report will be made public, the Spokesman confirmed the President’s intention is to publish it, provided no sensitive personal data is included. “As with previous reports, the goal is transparency, and the report will be released once reviewed,” he said.
Seeking EU compensation
Letymbiotis also addressed the government’s approach to the European Union for compensation related to the wildfire damages. He explained that the process began immediately after the disaster. The Deputy Minister for European Affairs, Marilena Raouna, was appointed to coordinate the efforts of all relevant ministries.
“Since the first moment, more than three coordinating meetings have been held at ministerial and technical level,” Letymbiotis said. “Each ministry and department has appointed contact persons, and the collection of the necessary information is being carried out with full efficiency. At the same time, there has been direct communication with the relevant European Commission directorate. Ms Raouna herself contacted the office of the President of the European Commission to ensure all information is provided within the deadlines set by the EU, so that we can submit our request for assistance.”
Next steps
The forthcoming ATF report will be central to the government’s evaluation of the Limassol fire. It will provide the technical foundation for accountability, future prevention, and possible international claims for support. For Cyprus, still reeling from the scale of the disaster, the findings represent both an important milestone in the investigation and a test of the government’s ability to respond effectively to the challenges of an increasingly fire-prone climate.
Also read: The President of the Republic received the ATF team of experts
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