Cyprus forest fires - Summer 2007

Description of emergency and request for assistance

Extremely hot and dry weather conditions in Cyprus, combined with strong winds led to a disastrous upsurge of forest fires and wildfires in the Troodos Montain area on 29 June 2007. There were approximately 20 sq km of fire. Small villages had to be evacuated. Some houses were destroyed. Cyprus reported severe material damages in the area. Moreover, two forest fires hit Cyprus on 16 July 2007 in touristic areas of the Island. The first hit the vicinity of the Kalavasos village area, which is in the middle of Limassol–Larnaca road. The other was close to Kornos village, which is located 20 km south of Nicosia. The total burnt area mapped by European Commission's Joint Research Centre in Cyprus measured from satellite imagery on 31 July 2007 was 12 286 hectares. 187 of these were NATURA 2000 sites.

Assistance sent through the mechanism

29 June emergency: Italy deployed reconnaissance aircraft. Cyprus has informed the MIC on 2 July 2007 that the Troodos forest fire is over. The area measured some 10 km2. All planes and helicopters that were sent for help returned to their bases.

16 July emergency: Aerial assistance has been requested via the MIC. Greece offered two planes, however due to unexepected favourable weather conditions Cyprus managed to control the fires prior to their deployment. The emergency was then closed.