A man was convicted of involuntary arson for his role in Greece’s deadliest wildfire in memory, and five former fire officials were found guilty of misdemeanours linked to their response to the 2018 blaze.
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.
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.
The commencement of Phase II of the holistic system for fire prevention and crisis management is in an advanced stage, with proposals for necessary equipment procurement soon to be submitted for approval. 259 new firefighters are being recruited, and volunteer firefighters will assist during this year’s fire season. The Fire Service collaborates with CNP Insurance to raise awareness about fire prevention. The Minister highlighted the importance of protecting the environment from wildfires and mentioned the upgrading of Fire Stations and infrastructure as a top priority. Efforts to strengthen human resources in the Fire Service are continuous, with the recruitment process for new firefighters nearing completion. Neighbourhood Watch observers are called upon to assist in timely detection and notification of fires and reporting suspicious activities that may lead to wildfires.
The completion of the recruitment of 259 new firefighters to be added to the existing strength of the Fire Service is in its final stages. The Minister of Justice and Public Order highlighted the efforts being made to strengthen the Fire Service personnel and enhance the state response system. The challenges facing the Fire Service are increasing due to a changing environment, technological advancements, and an increase in disasters. The government is prioritizing the continuous strengthening and upgrading of the Fire Service to improve response rates and citizens’ sense of security. The Minister emphasized the importance of timely preparation and collaboration to prevent major wildfires, urging firefighters to operate at the highest level of readiness.
Fact: The Greek economy is forecast to grow nearly 3 per cent this year, approaching its pre-crisis size of 2009 and far outpacing the eurozone average of 0.8 per cent.
The Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, and the Deputy Director of the Forestry Department, Andreas Christou, have reported progress in reinforcing aerial firefighting means. Two tenders are currently underway for the purchase of firefighting aircraft and helicopters. The Forestry Department has been on full alert since April 1st this year, instead of May 1st, and the employment period for forest firefighters has been extended to eight months. The Forestry College will start in January 2025 for the first time in 10 years. The government has been instructed to purchase 10 aerial firefighting means over a five-year period. The Aerial Means Unit will be transferred to the National Guard. Additionally, the state mechanism is ready to address wildfires with one operational aircraft available and two tenders in progress for planes and helicopters. Cooperation with the British Bases and neighbouring countries is in place for additional aerial support.
– Cyprus’ contribution to the EU renewable energy target is below that required by EU legislation.
– The EU Commissioner for the Environment, Oceans, and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevicius, stated that Cyprus has taken significant steps towards implementing green reforms and investments.
– There is untapped potential for renewable energy in Cyprus.
– The updated national Recovery and Resilience Plan is important for accelerating the use of renewable energy in Cyprus.
– Sinkevicius highlighted Cyprus’ failures in Natura 2000 areas and the EU’s decision to take the country to the EU Court of Justice.
– He emphasized the need for appropriate measures in areas of conservation.
– Sinkevicius mentioned that environmental protection and development of tourism should not be contradictory goals.
– The EU supports bi-communal cooperation on the environment in Cyprus through technical support, funding, and projects with an environmental footprint that benefit both sides.
– Sinkevicius discussed the EU’s role in preventing wildfires, reforestation policies, air pollution, and dealing with the increase of dust storms in Cyprus.
The 2023 wildfire season in Europe was one of the worst this century, with over half a million hectares scorched. The three worst years for wildfires in the century were 2017, 2022, and 2007. Fires intensified during the summer of 2023, especially in the Mediterranean region. Climate change is causing more frequent wildfires, with areas previously not considered fire-prone now being affected. Preliminary data for the first three months of 2024 show almost double the average number of fires. The wildfires in 2023 produced around 20 megatonnes of CO2 emissions, equivalent to a third of all emissions from international aviation in the EU in one year. The final 2023 report, including national contributions, will be published in the autumn.