Cyprus' emergency services will remain on heightened alert until the end of July despite a slight drop in temperatures over the weekend, Chief Fire Coordinator and Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos said on Friday.
Speaking to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA), Longinos said temperatures are expected to rise again next week, while strong winds in some areas continue to keep the wildfire risk high.
'Excellent results'
He added that weather conditions are being monitored continuously in cooperation with the Department of Meteorology to ensure emergency services remain prepared.
Longinos said authorities continue to respond to small fire incidents, which are being contained at an early stage.
He also said an operational readiness exercise was held in Limassol on Friday, during which the "Astrapi" emergency response plan was activated under a grey alert, requiring fire service personnel to report immediately to their stations.
The exercise produced "excellent" results, he said, with more than 85% of personnel reporting for duty within 30 minutes.
Fire in Nicosia
Meanwhile, a forest fire that broke out at around 6.30pm on Friday within the administrative boundaries of Agios Epifanios Soleas was brought fully under control, according to the Department of Forests.
The department said the fire was contained before it could spread thanks to the rapid response of firefighting teams. Eight members of the Department of Forests, supported by three fire engines, took part in the operation.
The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Source: CNA
