Mountainous Limassol: From ashes to the government's "green" line Winemakers struggle, promises flourish — but what will really happen?

July 23, 2025 was marked as the most devastating day for the Limassol Mountains in peacetime.

The fire broke out in the village of Mallia, around noon, in conditions of intense heat (43–44 °C) and, out of control, spread north and east, burning over 120 km² of land — forests, agricultural lands and settlements.

Firefighters, both ground and air — fought on multiple fronts to contain the flames. At least two people lost their lives, found charred in a burnt vehicle, while dozens of others were injured and many houses were destroyed.

Many villages — such as Mallia, Souni Zanakia, Vasa, Vouni, Koilani, Lofou, Pera Pedi, Monagri — were immediately evacuated. Residents fled their homes in smoke and panic, taking with them everything they could carry.

The people behind the fire: testimonies and emotions Stavros Antoniou, third-generation winemaker:

“I reached the vineyard but the fire had already engulfed everything. The village was blocked. We didn’t have time to do anything.”

Marina, young winemaker: “I sold the apartment to invest here. And now? The fire is here, a 10-year loan is here…”

Economic and local impact: living and future The loss of over 120 km² of agricultural and forest land equates to the complete destruction of this year’s production, but also a serious reduction in income for the next 3–5 years, until replanting is completed and production resumes.

But it's not just wine: residents are losing tourism, customers and the ability to maintain a sustainable economic activity in the countryside. State response: photos, words — zero actions When the flames were still burning, ministers and officials rushed… for photos.

It was announced that "over 1,000 farmers were compensated", while many applications remain pending due to "incomplete supporting documents" — to people who saw houses, warehouses and offices burned.

Irony: they are asking for proof and documents from those who lost everything. "Specialized programs" and reality The Ministry of Agriculture talks about "specialized programs for the reactivation of young farmers". "Program" is a nice word: it covers up the lack of immediate action and creates the illusion of a plan.

But farmers are wondering:

• Where will the plants and funds for replanting come from?

• Who will install fire protection infrastructure before the next fire?

• What is the essence of “restarting” without water, roads and support?

Lessons never learned This is not the first time that the Limassol Mountains have burned. The fires of 2021 and 2022 had already destroyed part of the area.

Despite the promises of prevention at the time, today there are still villages without fire hydrants and with rural roads in poor condition. The big question: Action or fantasy?

The phrase “we will leave no one behind” is heard again and again. But for the residents, the state leaves behind only ashes, without adequate compensation and without security for the future. Who will protect the place before the next spark is lit?

And who will take responsibility if we see the same thing again?

From aid to regeneration Mountainous Limassol is not asking for charity.

It is asking for: • Fire protection,

• Adequate water,

• Funding for reforestation,

• A strategic long-term development plan.

Otherwise, the next fire will not just be expected — it will be completely predictable.

Fothkia.com Journalistic Team