Newsroom
A devastating wildfire reduced a centuries-old olive grove to ashes Monday in the area between Galataria and Pentalia, prompting sharp condemnation from forestry officials and showcasing the growing wildfire risk across Cyprus.
Savvas Iezekiel, director of the Forestry Department, described the fire as a “crime,” lamenting the loss of an irreplaceable natural and cultural heritage. “It is heartbreaking,” Iezekiel told the Cyprus News Agency, noting that the grove, cultivated by generations of families, was home to hundreds of ancient olive trees. The blaze occurred despite a red alert for fire risk being issued that day.
The fire also destroyed vital habitat supporting local biodiversity, including mouflons, partridges, pigeons, and migratory birds, according to Iezekiel. He urged citizens to exercise extreme caution, especially during high-risk conditions.
Strong winds, measured at 5–6 on the Beaufort scale, fueled the fire. One forest firefighter was hospitalized for smoke inhalation and exhaustion but is now in stable condition.
Fire Service Spokesperson Andreas Kettis reported on Platform X that the blaze, which scorched approximately 1.6 square kilometers of wild vegetation and trees, was brought under control shortly after 8 p.m. Ground crews remained overnight to monitor the area and prevent flare-ups.
The fire, initially spotted by a patrolling aircraft that conducted the first water drop, prompted a rapid and large-scale response. The effort included 10 Fire Service vehicles, five Forestry Department units, two Civil Defense vehicles, eight firefighting aircraft, and multiple volunteer groups. Reinforcements arrived from Limassol, Larnaca, and the Emergency Response Unit (EMAK).
Firefighters managed to protect all nearby structures, including the Pentalia Cooperative. No inhabited areas were threatened, officials said. The fire’s cause remains under investigation but is believed to have started at the roadside.
Officials reiterated the need for public vigilance, warning that careless actions under dry and windy conditions can lead to irreparable damage.
