Two Dead as Wildfires Rage in Cyprus and Turkey Amid Extreme Heat
Two individuals were killed in a massive wildfire in Cyprus, raising the death toll to 12 in a series of fires across the eastern Mediterranean island and neighboring Turkey, as temperatures exceeded 44°C (111°F).
Authorities reported finding two bodies in a burned vehicle near Limassol, where the fire began on Wednesday. Strong winds quickly spread the flames to mountain villages north of the city.
The fires, described as the most severe in Cyprus in over 50 years, devastated large areas in the south, injuring many and forcing hundreds to flee. Around 250 firefighters worked to contain multiple outbreaks.
A government official expressed deep sorrow over the deaths, stating that the situation on the island was unprecedented.
Following a request for aid, several countries, including Greece, Egypt, Israel, and the UK—which maintains a military base in Cyprus—pledged air support and additional firefighters. The EU also deployed water-dropping aircraft.
By midday Thursday, the fires had burned more than 40 square miles, destroying farmland and homes in villages near the Troodos Mountains.
A Cypriot lawmaker called the situation tragic, citing extreme heat, strong winds, and drought as key factors. With temperatures expected to rise further on Friday, the heatwave intensified across southern Europe. "These are the most devastating fires since 1974," the official told *CuriosityNews*. "People have lost their lives, homes, and vehicles—it’s complete devastation."
He noted that preventive measures, including an EU-mandated alert system, had not been implemented. Overgrown vegetation, unaddressed waste sites, and a lack of firefighting infrastructure contributed to the rapid spread of flames.
In Turkey, officials reported at least six separate wildfires, warning of extreme danger due to high winds and heat. Ten firefighters died while battling a blaze in Eskişehir province, with 14 others injured. Flames later spread to Afyonkarahisar, where several communities were evacuated after the fire unexpectedly shifted direction.
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