Tag: fire

  • Nicosia fire — Nicosia fire: Nicosia Christmas Fire Victim Died from Soot Inhalation

    Nicosia fire — Nicosia fire: Nicosia Christmas Fire Victim Died from Soot Inhalation

    nicosia fire — nicosia fire — A post-mortem examination has confirmed that the victim of a tragic fire in Nicosia on Christmas Day died from soot inhalation. This finding suggests that the individual was alive when the fire broke out and inhaled smoke before being engulfed by flames.

    The autopsy, conducted on Sunday, December 28, 2025, by medical examiners Angeliki Papetta and Orthodoxos Orthodoxou, highlights the dire circumstances surrounding the incident. The victim was found burned beyond recognition in a rooftop storage room of an apartment building, a discovery made shortly after midnight on Christmas Day.

    Nicosia fire: Challenges in Identification

    Due to the severe condition of the remains, identifying the victim is proving to be a complex task. Authorities have indicated that identification will rely on DNA testing, raising concerns about the victim’s next of kin. Locating family members to obtain comparative DNA samples is a significant challenge for investigators.

    Forensic Investigations Underway

    As part of the autopsy process, forensic experts collected blood samples and teeth for laboratory analysis. These efforts aim not only to assist in identification but also to check for any underlying health issues that may have contributed to the victim’s death.

    Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Blaze

    The cause of the fire that led to this tragedy remains unclear. A joint investigation is currently being conducted by the Police, the Fire Service, and the Electromechanical Services. Their aim is to determine whether the blaze was an unfortunate accident or if there are indications of a criminal act.

    As the investigation continues, the community grapples with the shock of the incident. Local officials have expressed their condolences and are urging anyone with information related to the fire to come forward.

  • Uncontrolled Fire Rages Near Kili, Paphos Community Leader Reports

    Uncontrolled Fire Rages Near Kili, Paphos Community Leader Reports

    uncontrolled fire — The uncontrolled fire continues to blaze between Kili and Stroumbi in the Paphos district, with local community leader Michalis Efthymiou highlighting the challenges faced by fire crews. The fire ignited around 10am and has since posed difficulties for fire trucks attempting to reach the site.

    As it stands, seven fire trucks from the Paphos district have been mobilised to tackle the flames. Fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis confirmed that additional support includes two fire engines and a specialised team from the Emak unit, which is trained to access difficult terrain. The forestry department has also dispatched one fire engine and two earthmovers, with two more earthmovers leased from the provincial administration to assist in the firefighting efforts.

    To enhance coordination, an advanced control centre has been established in Stroumbi’s central square. Kettis noted that an active fire front has reignited to the west and is advancing northwest, prompting the redirection of significant resources to contain the blaze.

    On the ground, the Limassol district fire chief is already present, while the operations director will be arriving shortly. A helicopter from the air operations unit is en route to provide aerial support, and organised volunteer groups have been enlisted to bolster extinguishing efforts. Despite these measures, Efthymiou expressed concern over the lack of available aircraft, stating that more should have been deployed to manage the situation effectively.

    Efthymiou described the devastation caused by the fire, which has ravaged many years of cypress forest. He emphasised that the fire broke out in an area so remote that it could only have been ignited by someone on foot, attributing the incident to human factors. However, he assured that the homes within both communities are not under threat.

    The Kili community leader also pointed out the unusual timing of such fires occurring in November, attributing it to abnormally high temperatures experienced on that day. The situation remains dynamic, and local officials are working tirelessly to combat the flames and safeguard the surrounding areas.

  • Police Seek Suspect in Limassol Car Arson Case

    Police Seek Suspect in Limassol Car Arson Case

    limassol car — limassol car — The police are currently searching for a man who set a car on fire parked outside a kiosk in Limassol. This alarming incident occurred shortly after midnight, with emergency services notified around 12.45am.

    Preliminary investigations reveal that the fire was maliciously started using flammable material. At the time of the attack, the car’s owner was inside the kiosk, completely unaware of the unfolding drama outside.

    A passing motorist, equipped with a fire extinguisher, managed to extinguish the flames, but the vehicle has suffered extensive damage. The incident was captured on the kiosk’s CCTV cameras, and investigators are reviewing this footage as part of their inquiries.

    According to police sources, the motive behind this act of arson appears to stem from personal differences between the car’s owner and the suspected arsonist. However, authorities have stated that they are keeping an open mind and have not ruled out other possible motives.

  • Limassol fire — Limassol fire: Fire Contained Near Limassol Industrial Area After Threatening Factory

    Limassol fire — Limassol fire: Fire Contained Near Limassol Industrial Area After Threatening Factory

    limassol fire — limassol fire — A fire erupted this morning in a riverbed close to the Agios Silas industrial area in Limassol, prompting a swift response from local firefighters to prevent potential damage to a nearby metal processing factory.

    • In addition to the fire engines, the Game Service assisted with a portable firefighting unit, while Kourion Municipality lent support by providing an excavator to aid in suppression efforts.
    • Authorities continue to gather information and assess the situation, remaining vigilant as they explore all avenues related to the origin of the fire.

    The blaze was reported early in the day, leading to the deployment of three fire engines from Limassol district stations. Firefighters worked diligently to contain the flames, successfully bringing the situation under control shortly before midday.

    Limassol fire: Efforts to Suppress the Blaze

    The fire affected approximately three decares of grass, wild vegetation, and acacia trees within the riverbed area. Fortunately, the quick action of the Fire Service ensured that the flames did not reach the adjacent factory, which could have resulted in significant damage.

    In addition to the fire engines, the Game Service assisted with a portable firefighting unit, while Kourion Municipality lent support by providing an excavator to aid in suppression efforts.

    Investigating Possible Malicious Activity

    As firefighters worked to extinguish the flames, authorities began investigating the incident due to indications of potential malicious activity. The Fire Service has not dismissed the possibility that the fire may have been deliberately set. Police are collaborating with fire investigators to ascertain the cause.

    Authorities continue to gather information and assess the situation, remaining vigilant as they explore all avenues related to the origin of the fire.

  • Fire — Fire in Limassol’s Mouttayiaka Contained After Intense Battle

    Fire — Fire in Limassol’s Mouttayiaka Contained After Intense Battle

    A large fire that broke out near Mouttayiaka in Limassol was successfully contained by the fire service on Sunday evening. The blaze began around noon and was brought under control by approximately 6pm, preventing further spread towards nearby homes.

    Fire: Efforts on the Ground and in the Air

    The firefighting operations were extensive, involving 11 fire engines from various stations including Limassol, Larnaca, Nicosia, and the Vasiliko energy plant. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the day, supported by a total of 62 personnel from the forestry department and Civil Defence, alongside volunteers from multiple agencies.

    Aircraft and Ground Support Mobilised

    In addition to ground crews, 11 aircraft were deployed to combat the flames from above. This combined effort was crucial as the fire approached residential areas, threatening homes and farms. The visibility of the smoke and flames from the highway underscored the seriousness of the situation.

    Protecting Lives and Properties

    Thanks to the swift action of the fire service, the risk to local properties was mitigated. Firefighters successfully protected both homes and agricultural land, ensuring that the fire did not result in significant damage to the community.

    Strategic Response and Command

    As the situation escalated, the fire service implemented the Ikarus 2 and Pyrsos protocols, establishing an Advanced Command Center to coordinate efforts effectively. This strategic approach allowed for better resource management and deployment of personnel in the field.

    Ongoing Vigilance and Investigation

    With the fire now contained, a strong force of firefighters will remain in the area overnight to monitor for any flare-ups. The cause of the blaze is still to be determined and will be investigated once the situation is fully resolved.

  • Limassol Factory Fire Leads to Arrest of Former Employee

    Limassol Factory Fire Leads to Arrest of Former Employee

    limassol factory — limassol factory — A major factory fire in Ypsonas, Limassol, has resulted in the arrest of a 43-year-old former employee, following a night of evacuations and explosions that gripped the local community.

    The fire erupted at a paper storage and processing facility shortly before 2:00 am local time, prompting immediate action from emergency services. As flames rapidly engulfed the building, residents in the vicinity were forced to evacuate for their safety.

    Two nearby homes suffered damage to their external areas due to the intensity of the blaze. Witness accounts reveal a harrowing scene, with one local describing a series of loud explosions around 2:20 am. “The explosions were very loud, and shortly after we saw the factory engulfed in flames,” the resident said.

    Firefighting crews were dispatched promptly, with a total of ten fire engines responding under the guidance of the Fire Service. “We responded immediately from Limassol stations, reinforced by EMAK and a vehicle from the British Bases,” said Fire Service spokesman Andreas Kettis.

    Upon arrival, firefighters encountered a full-blown fire, exacerbated by the combustible materials stored on-site. “The thermal load was enormous. It was impossible to enter inside the factory,” Kettis explained. Instead, crews concentrated on external suppression and safeguarding adjacent residential properties.

    Compounding the crisis, the presence of gas canisters within the factory premises led to continuous explosions. “There were continuous explosions, with these gas canisters being catapulted. The firefighters were in danger,” Kettis added. The Fire Service had not been informed of the gas canisters, as the factory was registered solely for paper storage, raising concerns about safety compliance.

    By early morning, the fire was under control, though investigations are ongoing to determine its cause. The police arrested the former employee after the factory owner expressed suspicions regarding the fire and implicated him in a statement.

    Meanwhile, the Limassol-Paphos motorway was temporarily closed as a precaution, with police concerned about the safety of motorists due to the fire and associated explosions. The road has since reopened, but the section adjacent to the factory remains closed while the scene is secured.

    As the local community processes the events of that chaotic night, many residents remain shaken. “There is a strong smell of burning in the air and a stinging sensation in our eyes from the smoke,” shared one local, reflecting the health risks posed by the fire. The incident has sparked discussions about safety measures in such industrial facilities, highlighting the need for stricter compliance to prevent future occurrences.

  • Fire tsada: Fire Erupts in Tsada, Prompting Road Closures and Emergency Response

    Fire tsada: Fire Erupts in Tsada, Prompting Road Closures and Emergency Response

    Fire tsada: A Large Fire Has Erupted In The

    A large fire has erupted in the Tsada area of Paphos, fire tsada leading to significant road closures and a major firefighting operation on Sunday.

    • A large fire has erupted in the Tsada area of Paphos, fire tsada leading to significant road closures and a major firefighting operation on Sunday.

    Authorities swiftly closed the road from Polis Chrysochous towards Paphos, particularly at the Stroumbi area near Lemona, alongside the main Mesogi–Tsada route. Police are actively directing traffic and implementing diversions to ensure safety.

    Authorities Swiftly Closed The Road From Polis

    The situation has drawn a robust response, with both ground and aerial firefighting units deployed to tackle the flames. However, strong winds are complicating efforts to contain the blaze, as reported by the local authorities.

    As the fire continues to rage, officials have indicated that the cause will be thoroughly investigated once it has been fully extinguished. Residents and visitors are urged to stay clear of the affected areas as the firefighting teams work diligently to bring the situation under control.

  • Paphos District Fire Endangers Homes in Tala and Koili Near Historic Monastery

    Paphos District Fire Endangers Homes in Tala and Koili Near Historic Monastery

    A significant fire is currently threatening the Paphos district, particularly in the Tala and Koili areas, with flames drawing dangerously close to residential properties and the historic Ayios Neophytos monastery.

    The blaze erupted just after three o’clock this afternoon, quickly escalating due to strong winds and the dense vegetation characteristic of the region. Firefighters have mobilised extensive ground resources, supported by aerial assistance to combat the rapidly spreading flames.

    Paphos district: Firefighting Efforts Underway

    Emergency services have deployed a robust response to the fire, utilising four forestry department aircraft, including both planes and helicopters, to tackle the flames from above. These aircraft are operating from bases in Larnaca and Akrotiri, playing a crucial role in the firefighting strategy.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Risk to Local Communities

    The immediate priority for the firefighting teams is to contain the fire’s advance, particularly to protect the homes located in the vicinity. As the flames threaten to engulf trees and wild shrubbery, residents are on high alert, with safety measures being implemented to safeguard lives and property.

    Historical Significance at Stake

    Adding to the urgency of the situation is the proximity of the historic Ayios Neophytos monastery, a site of cultural and religious importance. Efforts are being made to ensure that the flames do not reach this landmark, which has stood for centuries and is cherished by both locals and visitors.

    Community Response and Resilience

    Local residents are closely monitoring the situation, with many expressing their concerns over the potential devastation of their homes and the surrounding natural landscape. Community solidarity is evident as neighbours come together to assist those most affected, while the authorities continue to coordinate firefighting operations.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Weather Conditions Complicate Efforts

    The fire’s rapid spread has been exacerbated by the strong winds that have been sweeping through the area, making it a challenging environment for the firefighting teams. The rugged terrain also poses additional obstacles, as crews work tirelessly to establish control over the situation.

    Continued Vigilance Required

    As the firefighting efforts continue, authorities urge residents to remain vigilant and adhere to any safety advisories issued. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as new information becomes available.