Vineyards burn to the ground as casualties of the wildfires

Vineyards in the fire-impacted areas have been burned to the ground, with the areas affected by the wildfires this week, which claimed two lives, starting the arduous task of counting the damage.

The situation has fully mobilised the Limassol Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), whose Board of Directors convened urgently on 24 July to assess the damage.

Speaking to InBusinessNews after, LCCI President Andreas Tsouloftas said that there had been no widespread damage to industrial facilities, with the exception of one case - a winery in Agios Amvrosios. The fire once again threatened the Agios Sylas Industrial Zone and a large paper factory—both of which narrowly escaped destruction by the flames.

Tsouloftas said LCCI had requested and received updates from its members regarding any potential damage sustained from the wildfire.

He noted that the Chamber's primary concern was the wineries in the area, saying, “We were pleased to learn that most of them did not suffer serious damage to their facilities—except in one case”.

The winery suffered significant losses, as a large portion of its vineyards—ready for harvest—was completely destroyed by fire.

This loss, Tsouloftas continued, will have long-term consequences, as replanting vineyards takes several years, and this may affect the winery’s future wine production.

Tourists evacuated

Several tourist accommodations in the mountainous region were also impacted. They were evacuated preemptively, forcing tourists—mostly foreign visitors staying there—to find alternative lodging until conditions normalise and a safe return is ensured.

The large paper factory in Alassa was also threatened but was fortunately spared at the last minute.

Agios Sylas industrial zone

Regarding the Agios Sylas industrial zone, which was seriously threatened by the fire, Tsouloftas said that business owners and their staff mobilised heavy machinery like excavators to clear the area and create firebreaks. “If the fire had entered the industrial area, the consequences would have been devastating for the factories and businesses operating there,” he stressed, noting that the area houses large-scale industries employing a significant workforce.

He also emphasised that the safety of the Agios Sylas zone has been repeatedly raised with state authorities to implement proper fire protection measures and avoid future damage.

“We are in continuous contact with our members and await updates on potential damage to their premises. It appears, fortunately, that there are no serious losses in industrial infrastructure, and that, I dare say, is a relief,” he added.

Call for financial assistance

Beyond damage assessments, LCCI decided during the meeting to send a circular to its members, calling for financial or other forms of assistance for those affected by the fires.

“The response was immediate. We are now waiting for damage assessments to be completed so we can identify the needs and help as much as possible those affected by these catastrophic fires,” Tsouloftas said.

Asked to comment on the fact that many businesses in the fire-stricken area immediately mobilised, offering essentials and other supplies, Tsouloftas noted: “Indeed, our members are once again showing compassion and humanity, contributing in any way they can to support those impacted by this devastating wildfire.”

“Sadly, some of our fellow citizens have lost their property, and a major green lung has been destroyed—one that will take many years to regenerate. The indirect damage to the countryside is, unfortunately, immense and cannot be easily quantified,” he continued.

“A wasteland”

In closing, Tsouloftas expressed sorrow over the catastrophic effects of the fires. “The area looks like a wasteland—it’s heartbreaking to see nothing but blackened landscapes. I honestly don’t know how we reached this point. It’s deeply saddening that in 2025, we still can’t effectively respond to a wildfire in its early stages and end up counting such massive losses—both in infrastructure and human lives,” he concluded.