Limassol Fire: DNA Analysis of Cigarette Butts Underway

According to a report by American ATF experts, the devastating fire in mountainous Limassol on July 23rd was caused by two cigarette butts. The cigarette butts were found near the ignition point, on the edge of the Malia – Arsos road.

Cypriot authorities will attempt to analyze the DNA from the cigarette butts, hoping to identify their owner through the database. The ATF report concluded that the fire started from a carelessly discarded cigarette that came into contact with dry vegetation.

The fire spread rapidly due to strong winds and the topography of the area, reaching a rate of 60–63 meters per minute. Environmental conditions, such as high temperature (39°C) and low humidity (19%), contributed to the rapid spread.

The ATF team concluded that the fire is categorized as an “accident.” The first report was made at 1:26 p.m., and the fire was brought under control in less than two days, having burned approximately 10,117 hectares.

Parliament will continue the discussion on the causes and circumstances of the fire.