A devastating wildfire continues to rage in Limassol, Cyprus, with authorities now pointing to arson as the likely cause. The fire, which broke out on the afternoon of Wednesday, July 23, has already claimed the lives of two people and left 20 others injured, according to Fire Chief Nikos Longinos.

The victims were found burned inside a vehicle, while the injured are receiving treatment—two of them in serious condition in the Burns Unit of Nicosia General Hospital. Health Minister Michalis Damianos visited the hospital to assess the situation firsthand.

Fueled by strong winds and soaring temperatures, the fire spread rapidly, leaving a trail of destruction. Dozens of homes have been reduced to ashes, thousands of acres of farmland destroyed, and entire communities plunged into despair.

A burnt house is seen, as a wildfire burns in the village of Souni near Limassol, Cyprus July 24, 2025. REUTERS/Yiannis Kourtoglou

The scenes on the ground have been described as harrowing. Residents, including elderly individuals, children, and families, fled their homes in chaos and panic. Witnesses reported watching helplessly as lifelong possessions and properties were consumed by flames.

Hundreds of firefighters, volunteers, Civil Defense personnel, members of the National Guard, special police units, and fire service teams have been battling the blaze around the clock. Despite support from aerial firefighting units, extreme weather conditions have severely hindered containment efforts. The fire remains out of control, and flare-ups continue to threaten the area.

Heavy smoke and a suffocating atmosphere have engulfed the city and district of Limassol, making conditions on the ground even more perilous.