Fire Damage in Cyprus in 2024 Surpasses €26.5 Million

According to the annual report from the Fire Service, in 2024, the Emergency Response Center of the Republic of Cyprus handled 12,770 emergency calls, which included fire alerts, service requests, and false alarms. The total number of urban and rural fires increased by 1.02%, resulting in damages that exceeded €26.5 million.

The statistics show that the Fire Service responded to a total of 6,717 incidents across the country, with 3,280 rural fires and 3,437 urban fires. Over 90% of these fires were caused by human factors and activities.

The highest increase in fires occurred in February (up 12.96%) and March (up 13.49%) due to the drought that lingered from the end of 2023 into early 2024.

In May, a 29.35% rise was observed, primarily due to the burning of various items outdoors during the Easter holidays.

Throughout the summer, most fires were caused by the common practice of farmers burning fields after harvest, as well as intentional arson.

On a positive note, there was a decrease in forest fires compared to previous years. This was largely due to the coordinated efforts of the Fire Service, Forest Department, Police, Hunting Service, and other organized groups.

A significant portion of the forest fires—78.74% (2,583 out of 3,280)—was caused by illegal fire-starting, which falls under the category of "deliberate acts." In rural areas, human activity accounted for more than 90% of the fires.

Rural fires affected a total area of 16.47 square kilometers.

Urban fires in 2024 mostly impacted land plots, vehicles, private homes, apartment buildings, and garbage bins.

The leading causes of urban fires included electrical issues, appliance malfunctions in homes and businesses, mechanical or electrical failures in vehicles, discarded cigarette butts, arson, faulty chimneys and fireplaces, and improper use of heating stoves and kitchen appliances.

The Fire Service's estimates indicate that the total damage from fires in 2024 reached €29,580,390, with €26,702,420 attributed to urban fires and €2,877,970 to rural fires.

In total, 61 individuals were either rescued, injured, or killed due to fires.

The Fire Service conducted 35 rescue operations in 2024. Four people tragically lost their lives in the fires, while 22 others sustained injuries.

Emergency services also rescued 2,316 people from car accidents, industrial disasters, workplace injuries, as well as from high-rise buildings, bodies of water, wells, and mountainous areas.