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.
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.
A fire broke out in the Limassol State Forest at 9:50 a.m. today. Firefighting crews, including ground forces, aircraft, and helicopters, are currently working to extinguish the blaze. The Minister of Agriculture is on her way to the scene. The cause of the fire is still unknown.