Recent days have witnessed a disturbing spate of unrelated fires erupting across Cyprus, prompting urgent investigations by law enforcement and the Fire Service. Suspicious elements have emerged in at least one of these conflagrations, raising significant concerns among residents and officials alike. These incidents have inflicted considerable property damage across diverse regions, from Paphos's industrial zones to Larnaca's rural settings and Limassol's busy districts.
A particularly alarming incident occurred in Paphos early on Saturday morning, January 3, 2026, around 4:15 a.m. A substantial blaze broke out in an industrial area, rapidly engulfing a lorry, a trailer, and a nearby parked car. Preliminary findings suggest the fire may have been intentionally ignited, according to Michalis Nikolaou, assistant operations director for the Paphos police. He revealed that the lorry had been treated with flammable material, a detail that has substantially heightened the police's suspicion of arson. Firefighters successfully subdued the inferno, but the vehicles were left completely destroyed.
Earlier, on Friday morning, January 2, 2026, another fire caused extensive damage in the Larnaca district. In the village of Avdellero, an outhouse adjacent to the Ayia Marina church was significantly impacted by flames. A single fire engine responded to the emergency, but the structure ultimately collapsed. The contents of the outhouse were also severely affected. Andreas Kettis, a spokesman for the Fire Brigade, stated that the cause of this fire remains undetermined, and that no safe conclusions have yet been drawn.
The Limassol district also experienced multiple fire incidents on Friday evening and night. Just before 9:00 p.m., a car parked in an open area outside a car parts shop caught fire. Two fire trucks were deployed, and the flames were largely confined to the vehicle's engine compartment. This particular fire was identified as being caused by a short circuit. However, later that night, a moped fire occurred in another open space in Limassol. While the vehicle sustained substantial damage, the precise extent of the impact and the cause have not yet been fully assessed.
Collectively, these events underscore the need for thorough investigations into each incident. While the Limassol car fire has a clear accidental cause, the deliberate nature suggested by the Paphos incident and the unresolved circumstances in Larnaca necessitate persistent inquiry. The Cyprus Police and Fire Service are committed to uncovering the truth behind these blazes, ensuring public safety and accountability. Further details are expected to emerge in the coming days.