Villages continue to represent a vulnerable point in fire prevention efforts ahead of the summer, with concern growing among authorities over the level of preparedness at local level, particularly in relation to clearing vegetation and removing illegal dumping sites.
Fire Chief and National Fire Coordinator Nikos Longinos said that despite extensive planning and multiple interventions in recent months, weaknesses persist. Reviewing last year’s shortcomings, which contributed to major fires including the fatal blaze in Limassol, he noted that the main gap lies in the responsibilities assigned by law to village authorities.
Speaking after a meeting last Thursday with the Union of Cyprus Communities, Mr Longinos stressed that responsibility must be assumed at local level. The Union has argued that it lacks sufficient financial resources, personnel, surveillance systems and environmental inspectors to fully meet its obligations.
“Some must learn to take responsibility rather than shifting it elsewhere,” Mr Longinos said, underlining that this was the key message delivered during the meeting.
More than three months have passed since specialised Fire Service teams were set up in each district. These teams visited all villages and provided written guidance highlighting risk areas such as overgrown vegetation, the need for firebreaks and the presence of illegal dumping sites. With these preparations completed, nationwide inspections will begin next week to assess whether village councils have implemented the measures recommended since March. The inspections will be carried out in cooperation with District Administrations.
“They were given everything they asked for”
Mr Longinos said that villages cannot claim lack of support this year, as their previous requests have been addressed.
He pointed out that funding for vegetation clearance, amounting to €3.1 million, was allocated early by the Ministry of Interior. Villages were also granted the authority to independently secure machinery and labour, responding to complaints about procurement procedures from previous years.
In addition, Fire Service teams visited villages to provide on‑site guidance, while a detailed handbook with instructions was distributed to each community. Civil Defence, together with the Fire Service, also organised evacuation exercises to help local councils and residents understand how to respond in emergencies.
“Everything they asked for last year, they received this year. Now they must contribute. The Fire Service cannot take responsibility for clearing all villages. Each authority must fulfil its obligations,” he said.
Data protection not an obstacle to surveillance
Regarding the approximately 850 illegal dumping sites across the island, Mr Longinos rejected claims that surveillance restrictions prevent effective monitoring.
He said discussions with the Commissioner for Personal Data Protection showed that installing cameras is possible under specific conditions. Village authorities have been encouraged to prepare the necessary impact assessments and ensure that surveillance systems are used strictly for monitoring and enforcement purposes, with appropriate safeguards.
A similar approach had previously been proposed to municipalities, although no formal submission had been made at the time. Mr Longinos suggested joint coordination between village and municipal authorities to advance the process.
