Cyprus’s Forest Department declared a red alert for Friday, warning that the risk of forest fires breaking out and spreading will be at its highest level, as high temperatures, very low humidity and strong winds combine to raise the danger sharply.
National Coordinator of Civil Protection, Fire Chief Nikos Longinos, said Thursday could be one of the most dangerous days of the fire season, urging the public to exercise maximum caution. More than 1,350 fires have been recorded in the countryside since the start of the year, he said, while humidity has dropped below 20%.
Longinos said the combination of heat, dryness and wind significantly raises the risk of fires breaking out, especially where the terrain lets fire spread quickly. He said the elevated risk affects almost the whole of the Republic of Cyprus.
Asked whether personnel and resources are sufficient, Longinos said the response mechanism is on heightened readiness to tackle incidents at an early stage, but noted that no country can take for granted that it will be able to contain every major fire. He pointed out that even countries with far greater resources than Cyprus, such as Canada, Spain and France, face serious difficulties battling large wildfires.
He appealed to the public to avoid any action that could cause a spark, warning that the consequences could be catastrophic. He added that the heightened risk will not be limited to Friday but will persist until weather conditions change, particularly until rain falls, with emergency services remaining on standby to extinguish any fires at an early stage.
Referring to the deadly Limassol fire last summer, Longinos said significant improvements have since been made to the response mechanism, though he acknowledged there is still room for further strengthening. Comparative statistics with 2025 have not yet been finalised, he said, adding that the total for the year is likely around 1,400 fires in the countryside alone.
“More than 94% is due to human activities. We cause the fires,” he said, calling on citizens to avoid any activity that could spark a blaze.
Separately, the Forest Department said the risk of forest fires breaking out and spreading will be at “red alert” level on Friday, July 24, 2026. It said causing a fire is an offence under the Forestry Law and the Prevention and Suppression of Fires in the Countryside Law, carrying strict penalties, and appealed to the public to take particular care during outdoor activities. Anyone who spots smoke or fire is asked to call 1407 (Forest Department) or 112 (Fire Service) immediately.