Cypriots Fear Looters After the Fire

Following the devastating wildfires in the mountainous areas of Limassol, local residents are seriously concerned about potential looting and the lack of adequate police presence. Villages such as Souni, Zanakia, Lofou, Mallia, Vouni, Omodos, Potamiou, Kivides, Arsos, and Kilani — all affected by the fire — are particularly worried. Many of these areas still have no electricity or water, homes are damaged or destroyed, and fruit trees and farming equipment have been lost. People fear that what remains of their property may fall into the hands of criminals.

A resident of Souni said that during the height of the fire, he didn’t see a single fire truck or Forest Department personnel. “Only one municipal vehicle came. If it weren’t for volunteers and Mr. Christakis from the local council, our houses would have burned to the ground,” he said. He added that he had to help extinguish the flames himself using 30 fire extinguishers that were brought to him specifically.

Now that the fire is out, another threat worries him: looters. He said that there are already rumors of thefts circulating in the area. “I haven’t seen a single patrol at night. I’m scared. I sleep with a gun on my balcony to protect my home,” he admitted.

A similar situation is seen in the village of Vasa-Kilaniou, where locals have taken security into their own hands and organized night patrols to guard their homes. Conditions remain harsh — the air is filled with thick smoke, making it hard to breathe. “I tried to find masks, called every pharmacy, but none had them in stock,” a local woman reported.

Although the police have not officially confirmed any looting incidents, law enforcement has said they have already deployed extra patrols to the affected areas and are conducting intensive checks.

Meanwhile, residents are calling on authorities not only to restore the damaged infrastructure but also to urgently increase police presence to protect what remains and to restore a sense of security.