A devastating wildfire sweeping through southern Cyprus has tragically resulted in the deaths of two individuals found in a burned-out vehicle. As temperatures soar toward a staggering 44°C, the fire ignited on Wednesday afternoon in the village of Malia, located in the Limassol district, leading to panic and injury.

Local police discovered the charred remains of what reports suggest belongs to a 77-year-old woman who was previously reported missing. The deceased are believed to be an elderly couple from the area, adding to the sorrow that has gripped the community. The blaze has already claimed over 100 square kilometers (40 square miles) of land and damaged homes, forcing dozens to seek medical attention for fire-related injuries.

Over 250 firefighters have been mobilized to control the wildfire, which has been exacerbated by strong winds and extreme temperatures. Cyprus's Department of Meteorology has issued a warning, forecasting maximum temperatures of 44°C in inland regions on Thursday. Despite the fire service reporting "no active fronts" at this moment, there remain concerns about ongoing "flare-ups" in the affected areas.

Witnesses, such as Antonis Christou from Kandou, expressed their deep distress, recalling the sight of flames engulfing their neighborhood: "When I entered my house, I saw the mountain and the valley full of flames. I cried, really I cried, because people got burnt."

In response to the escalating crisis, the Cypriot government has sought assistance from neighboring countries through the European Union's civil protection mechanism. Spain is expected to deploy two firefighting aircraft, contributing to the fight against the destructive flames, while additional support from Jordan is on standby.

Authorities are also investigating the fire's origin, with witness accounts suggesting it may have been deliberately started. Europe's summer has been marked by extreme heatwaves, prompting wildfires not only in Cyprus but also across the Greek island of Crete, Turkey, and Spain. Cyprus, known for its annual droughts, is frequently impacted by such seasonal wildfires, reminiscent of the tragic events in 2021 when wildfires in Limassol resulted in the deaths of four Egyptian farm workers.