The transition into the New Year across Cyprus was unfortunately overshadowed by numerous fires and other emergency incidents. The Fire Service has reported a significant increase in call-outs, with preliminary investigations strongly suggesting deliberate actions were responsible for several of these blazes. Authorities are particularly concerned about fires attributed to groups of youths, which caused substantial damage to private property and necessitated extensive emergency responses throughout the festive period.
Within a single 24-hour span preceding the reports, the Cyprus Fire Service was mobilised to a total of 46 separate incidents. This comprised 33 fires and an additional 13 other emergency responses, clearly illustrating the heightened demands placed upon the service during New Year celebrations. Andreas Kettis, the spokesperson for the Fire Service, confirmed that several of these fires are widely suspected to have been intentionally ignited. "Initial assessments indicate that the fires were deliberately set by groups of youths," Kettis stated, drawing attention to a worrying trend observed in multiple locations.
The Nicosia district unfortunately experienced several of these concerning incidents. In Strovolos, during the early hours of New Year's Day, a 20-year-old woman's car, parked outside her home, became the target of arsonists. Fortunately, the occupants of the residence managed to contain the flames before emergency services arrived. Despite their efforts, the vehicle sustained severe damage. The Fire Service dispatched two engines to ensure the incident was fully under control.
Further away in the Famagusta district, the festive atmosphere was disrupted by two distinct fires. In Deryneia, shortly after midnight, two motorcycles were rendered unusable by a fire that erupted in the central community square. A fire engine from the Famagusta station was deployed to extinguish the flames. Less than an hour later, in the nearby town of Paralimni, a substantial 1,100-litre waste bin was ignited in the main square, requiring the response of a single staffed vehicle.
The Nicosia district witnessed another vehicle fire on Tuesday afternoon in Pera Oreinis. A car, parked in a sheltered area beneath a two-storey dwelling, caught alight. The homeowner's swift intervention with a garden hose limited the damage to the vehicle's engine compartment before the Fire Service arrived. Two fire engines attended this incident, and while the owner's quick action prevented further spread, the car still suffered considerable damage.
In Kiti, Larnaca district, the New Year began with a destructive fire that engulfed two vehicles parked in an open space, shortly after midnight. Firefighters, equipped with breathing apparatus, worked diligently to extinguish the blaze, which left both vehicles extensively damaged. Two fire engines were dispatched to this location.
While many of these incidents are being investigated as deliberate acts, authorities are also considering other potential causes for some blazes. The fire in Pera Oreinis, for example, is preliminarily thought to have originated from a mechanical or electrical fault, although investigations are ongoing to ascertain the definitive cause. The Nicosia CID and the police are actively involved in these investigations, aiming to identify those responsible for the spate of arsons and to fully understand the circumstances surrounding each incident. The cumulative impact of these events not only highlights the dedication and resilience of the Cyprus Fire Service but also raises concerns about public safety and the destructive potential of intentional acts, particularly during periods of heightened social activity.