Cyprus battles escalating wildfires with international air support as flames near Troodos forest

International support for Cyprus' ongoing wildfire crisis continued to grow on Thursday, as firefighting aircraft and personnel from several countries joined efforts to contain the flames sweeping through the mountainous Limassol region.

According to Fileleftheros and other local media, two firefighting aircraft from Spain and two from Lebanon are expected to join operations today, adding to the 21 aerial resources already deployed—including 17 under the Republic of Cyprus and four from Egypt and Jordan.

Firefighting efforts resumed at dawn, with five planes taking off in an attempt to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading toward the Troodos Mountains. Ground and air units are on high alert, carrying out preemptive drops to hold the line, particularly near Omodos, where the fire remains dangerously close to Troodos forest.

Late Wednesday night, two Israeli C-130 aircraft conducted reconnaissance flights before releasing a total of 36 tons of fire retardant over the area in four drops aimed at protecting the forest. The aircraft returned to Israel shortly after completing their mission.

In response to a request from the Southern Cyprus, the European Union’s Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC) mobilized a 26-member wildfire unit from Greece. The team arrived this morning and was immediately dispatched to support efforts near Ipsonas, one of the hardest-hit areas.

Throughout the night, drones operated by the National Guard (RMMO) conducted surveillance missions, enabling authorities to quickly identify and suppress reignited hotspots in Kivides, Alassa, Zanakia, and Omodos, according to Cyprus Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis.

Meanwhile, the Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) has partially restored power using emergency generators in several villages. Over 400 electricity poles were destroyed in the fire, making full restoration efforts both difficult and time-consuming.

Officials warn that access to some areas remains limited due to the intensity of the fires, hampering full damage assessment and restoration efforts.