fireworks

Ministerial meeting addresses fireworks regulations

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Ministerial meeting addresses fireworks regulations

A meeting was held on Maundy Thursday with the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, along with the Minister of Justice and Public Order and the Police. They discussed tightening the framework for the use of fireworks following recent fires in Limassol and Paphos provinces caused by fireworks. Permits for fireworks have been revoked temporarily, and further discussions and meetings will take place to address the issue and potentially implement stricter measures. The investigation into the recent fire in Limassol province is ongoing, and statements will be made once it is completed.

Ministers meet on fireworks regulation

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Ministers meet on fireworks regulation

Fact: Agriculture and Justice Ministers Maria Panayiotou and Marios Hartsiotis held a meeting with representatives of the police force to review the framework governing fireworks usage and discuss potential enhancements. Panayiotou announced the revocation of all permits for fireworks following large fires near Limassol and Paphos caused by explosives and fireworks. They will decide how to address the whole issue in the coming days.

Forestry department warns against illegal tree felling

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Forestry department warns against illegal tree felling

Felling trees for Easter bonfires in Cyprus is illegal and punishable by a fine of up to €5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to one year. No permission will be given to cut down trees for bonfires, and the forestry department urges extra caution due to higher-than-usual temperatures during Easter celebrations. Lighting fires in state forests or within 2km of their edges is prohibited and punishable by imprisonment of up to ten years and/or a fine of up to €50,000. Smoke or fire in or near a forest should be reported to the nearest forestry station or by calling 1407 or 112.

Schools take precautions ahead of Easter bonfires

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Schools take precautions ahead of Easter bonfires

Schools are taking precautions for Easter bonfires by removing flammable materials, increasing security measures, and educating students on the dangers of fireworks. Efforts include clearing yards, installing surveillance cameras, hiring private security, increasing police patrols, reinforcing fences, and improving lighting. Authorities are asked to avoid using school grounds for bonfires, with notifications to Fire and Police Departments if preparations are observed near school property.

Firework licences revoked until further notice

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Firework licences revoked until further notice

All firework licences have been revoked and no new firework licences will be issued until further notice. The decision was made due to the recent hot and dry weather conditions. A large fire broke out in the Ha Potami area, near the village of Kouklia in the Paphos district, caused by the launching of fireworks. The fire burned between four and five hectares of grassland and wild vegetation.

Cyprus’s lack of aircraft laid bare during Limassol fire

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Cyprus’s lack of aircraft laid bare during Limassol fire

A major wildfire in the Limassol State Forest exposed a critical shortage of aerial firefighting resources in Cyprus. The fire, caused by improperly disarmed fireworks, led to ground crews bearing the brunt of firefighting efforts. The Republic of Cyprus currently has only one primary aerial asset, with reinforcements not expected until June. Minister of Agriculture Maria Panayiotou acknowledged the weakness in aerial capabilities and mentioned plans to purchase proprietary aerial assets instead of renting them. Various tenders are underway to secure more firefighting planes and helicopters, with assistance from other countries also being considered in case of large wildfires.

The wildfires started but the aircraft will arrive in July!

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The wildfires started but the aircraft will arrive in July!

A flare and fireworks caused separate fires in forests in Cyprus at the end of April. Despite promises of having ten firefighting aircraft, the country only has one available. The lack of resources has led to a series of disasters and a history of negligence in firefighting efforts. The government’s failure to acquire necessary aircraft has put the country at risk for more devastating fires.

Paphos man arrested for launching fireworks which caused fire

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Paphos man arrested for launching fireworks which caused fire

A 49-year-old man from Paphos was arrested for launching fireworks that caused a fire in the Ha Potami area near the village of Kouklia. The fire burned between four and five hectares of grassland and wild vegetation.