On 23 July 2025, wildfires broke out near the Cypriot village of Malia during a severe heatwave with temperatures exceeding 44â¯ðC. The fires rapidly spread through the Limassol District throughout the day and night, destroying multiple villages and forcing evacuations in over a dozen areas.
A Cypriot couple was killed while fleeing in their vehicle, and multiple others were injured. Firefighting efforts involved more than 250 personnel and international assistance (after the 24th) from Jordan, Spain, Israel, Egypt, and the United Kingdom. Authorities originally suspected arson, with later investigations by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives International Response Team concluding that the wildfire was likely caused by a carelessly discarded cigarette coming into contact with dry vegetation, and classifying it as Accidental.