– A difficult summer is expected due to the dry winter, according to fire services’ spokesman Andreas Kettis.
– Human activity is to blame in over 92% of fire cases.
– The fire prevention season was expected to start earlier this year.
– Stricter penalties have been recently introduced regarding fires and their causes.
Two firefighting helicopters and 18 crew members arrived in Cyprus from Jordan to boost firefighting capabilities ahead of the summer. The crews will be “operationally ready” within 24 hours and there will always be at least one crew on standby with a response time of 30 minutes. Ground-level firefighting crews have been at full operational readiness since April 1.
The Citizens of Idalion-Latsia are urging various government bodies not to allow the operation of a new polluting industry in their area. They are concerned about a factory attempting to change its use to aluminum processing without proper permits and with an environmental study full of inaccuracies. Residents have identified gaps and inaccuracies in the environmental study, particularly regarding waste management and fire prevention measures. The area is already burdened with pollution and environmental disturbance, and the addition of the factory’s activity could have multiple negative consequences for the health of the residents. The public is encouraged to submit objections to the factory’s operation before May 10.
Fact: The First EMODE of the Hellenic Fire Brigade trained Bank of Cyprus SupportCY volunteers on fire laws, fire risk assessment, wildland Urban Interface, fire suppression methods, fire zone construction, and scene safety.
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 forestry department currently has a single operational firefighting plane at its disposal.
On the International Day of Forests, Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou announced the government’s plans to submit amendments by the end of March to increase penalties for individuals causing fires. She spoke at Athalassa Park, stating that district administrations would conduct wild brush clearance by the end of May to prevent wildfires. Panayiotou emphasized the government’s focus on enhancing the forestry department’s operational readiness, infrastructure, technology, and human resources. She highlighted the introduction of technology, including drones and electromagnetic methods, for fire detection and forest surveillance, as part of the Recovery and Resilience Plan. The plan has also facilitated the acquisition of firefighting vehicles and equipment through national funds. Additionally, a coordination meeting at the Presidential Palace led to decisions on further measures for fire prevention and response, including a proposal for integrating the airborne firefighting unit into the National Guard and the reopening of the forestry college in 2025. Additional sensors for early wildfire detection are also to be installed.
The PyrΑnankampsi/Alevlerden Gelecege Project, established under the Laona Foundation with Greek and Turkish Cypriot collaboration, has been completed after two years. It aimed at enhancing civic action in fire-affected communities across Cyprus, training over 650 participants in fire prevention and recovery techniques. The project, which received funding from the Active Citizens Fund Cyprus program supported by Iceland, Liechtenstein, and Norway, as well as the A.G Leventis Foundation, involved around 470 Greek Cypriots and 180 Turkish Cypriots. It focused on rural areas in Larnaca, Limassol, Paphos, and the Pentadaktylos range, teaching participants SWOT analysis, and the construction of dry stone walls to prevent erosion. The project also involved tree planting with a focus on using heat-resistant trees and plants.