Authorities on Alert for Firecrackers and Bonfires in Cyprus

Authorities in Cyprus are on high alert to address the dangers associated with the use of firecrackers and uncontrolled bonfires, ahead of Easter. The police campaign, in cooperation with local authorities and the Fire Service, has already begun.

Police pyrotechnician Paris Kyriakou stated that so far in 2026, 11,000 items of pyrotechnics have been seized, mainly firecrackers. In 2025, 20,500 items were seized, of which 9,000 were firecrackers.

Mr. Kyriakou warned of the dangers of using firecrackers and lighting bonfires, recalling the death of a 22-year-old in Easter 2025 and the injuries that have occurred.

The President of the Union of Cyprus Municipalities, Mayor of Larnaca, Andreas Vyras, expressed concern about the situation, emphasizing that local authorities are collecting materials intended for bonfires.

The police are conducting an information and policing campaign, with lectures in schools and patrols in vulnerable areas. Entry points for illegal explosives are also being checked, mainly coming from Turkey, Spain and Poland.

Mr. Kyriakou stated that the law prohibits lighting fires, but the police are tolerant of lighting bonfires on Holy Saturday in controlled church areas.

Possession, storage, transport and use of firecrackers is illegal and punishable by imprisonment of up to 10 years.