Cyprus' Civil Defence Force is on full alert to assist with firefighting efforts should the need arise, its spokesman, Panayiotis Liasidis, told CNA. He said the force is carrying out daily and continuous patrols in all districts and remains in constant contact with the general coordinator of major fires, Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos, and other relevant services.
Asked about the force's recent activity, Liasidis said that during the fire that broke out on the afternoon of Saturday, 15 August, in the Lysos community in Paphos district, a Civil Defence patrol already in the area responded to the scene, the Paphos Search and Rescue Department was notified, and a member from Limassol also travelled to the area. The Civil Defence Force assisted with a total of five vehicles and 10 members at the Lysos fire, with the force's deputy commander, Colonel Theodoros Lemoniatis, also present at the scene.
Regarding the fire in Pissouri on Sunday, 16 August, Liasidis said the Civil Defence Force mobilised seven units with a total of 20 members, together with the Foini team based in the village of Foini. He added that the force's deputy commander was stationed at the Fire Service headquarters in Nicosia during the incident. Ten homes were evacuated as a precaution during the Pissouri fire, and Civil Defence members assisted the Fire Service in securing the area.
Drones support aerial patrols
On other activities, Liasidis said the force's drone team is helping with aerial patrols alongside the Forestry Department. He reiterated that the Civil Defence Force maintains daily and continuous patrols across all districts. "We are in constant contact with the general coordinator of major fires, Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos, and other relevant services. We are monitoring the meteorological forecasts and are generally on full alert should anything be needed," the Civil Defence spokesman said.
Source: CNA
