Discarded Cigarette Sparks Deadly Limassol Wildfire Cyprus

A U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) investigation concluded that the devastating wildfire in Limassol, Cyprus, in July 2025 was caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette igniting dry vegetation. The fire, which burned 25,000 acres, destroyed over 500 homes and resulted in two fatalities, including an elderly couple trapped in their vehicle. Extreme weather conditions, including temperatures around 39°C, low humidity, strong winds, and prolonged drought, created a perfect storm for the fire's rapid spread, with flames advancing at rates up to 60 meters per minute. The ATF team ruled out other causes such as lightning or arson and classified the fire as accidental. Alongside the ATF report, local police acknowledged significant gaps in fire investigation expertise and operational failures during the emergency response, including the absence of ambulances at the fire scene and issues with media management. Authorities emphasized the need for improved protocols and infrastructure, such as satellite internet for crisis management, to better handle future wildfires.