Most Fires in Cyprus Caused by Human Factor

Following the devastating fires, the Cyprus Fire Service had to deal with a new outbreak in Koilani, when a resident lit a fire to burn useless materials, despite warnings.

In 2021, a 69-year-old was sentenced to eight years in prison for the fires in Arakapas, while in 2018 a forest firefighter was arrested for arson in a forest area.

According to data, most fires are due to human activities. From 2000 to 2023, 394 deliberate forest fires were recorded. In addition, 249 were caused by agricultural activities, 116 by travelers, 80 by activities in residences, and others by military activities, burning garbage and hunting activities.

Only 192 fires were due to lightning and 47 to short circuits in power cables.