**Nearly 40% of Limassol Fire Compensation Applications Rejected**
In a recent update regarding compensation claims for the devastating wildfires that struck Limassol last year, nearly 40% of applications have been rejected, as revealed by Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou. This information was disclosed in response to a formal inquiry by Michalis Paraskeva, the MP for Alma.
According to the data provided, a total of 863 compensation applications were submitted by individuals and entities affected by the wildfires. Of these, 536 applications were approved, while 327 were denied. The government has so far disbursed €15.3 million to cover compensation and related expenses arising from the fires.
The report indicates that 65 individuals filed objections against the decisions made by the special committee established by the cabinet to evaluate the claims. An objections committee subsequently reviewed these appeals, resulting in the approval of 27 objections and the denial of 35. Currently, two objections remain under review. The Interior Minister confirmed that all individuals affected by the fires have been notified in writing about the outcomes of their claims and emphasized that the decisions made by the objections committee are final and cannot be contested further.
In addition to the primary compensation applications, the government also assessed claims related to underinsured properties. A total of 78 such cases were evaluated, with 29 approved and 33 rejected. Further documentation has been requested for 16 additional cases to facilitate their review.
The report also highlighted that seven applications concerning properties owned by Turkish Cypriots were examined. This included four residential properties, two farming warehouses, and one prefabricated container.
Of the €15.3 million disbursed, €10.7 million was allocated specifically for compensation related to actual property damage. The remaining funds were utilized for various other expenses, including providing temporary accommodation in hotels for those displaced by the fires and offering one-off financial assistance to community councils in the affected regions.
The wildfires began on July 23, 2025, during an intense heatwave that saw temperatures soar above 44 degrees Celsius. The fires rapidly spread throughout the Limassol District, devastating multiple villages and necessitating evacuations in over a dozen areas. Tragically, a Cypriot couple lost their lives while attempting to flee in their vehicle, and several others sustained injuries.
Firefighting efforts involved over 250 personnel, with additional support provided by international teams from Jordan, Spain, Israel, Egypt, and the United Kingdom. Initially, authorities suspected arson as the cause of the fires; however, investigations conducted by the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives International Response Team ultimately determined that the wildfire was likely ignited by a carelessly discarded cigarette igniting dry vegetation.
The wildfires resulted in the destruction of approximately 130 square kilometers of land, leaving a significant impact on the local communities and the environment. As the recovery process continues, the government faces scrutiny regarding the approval and denial rates of compensation applications, as many affected individuals seek to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of this disaster.