The number of fires in recent years has increased significantly and should definitely be reduced, Chief Fire Officer Nikos Logginos said on Wednesday in statements to the Cyprus News Agency (CNA). He added that this year rural areas will be strengthened with additional resources “to ensure rapid fire reporting and response in extinguishing fires.”
He emphasized that all relevant services are on alert and will remain so throughout the summer period.
Regarding the aerial firefighting resources available to Cyprus, Logginos said that “currently we have 10 aerial assets,” noting that “we have four helicopters and four airplanes stationed at Paphos Airport, two Jordanian aircraft that are operationally ready, and we expect three more aerial assets by May 1,” two airplanes that will be based in Akrotiri and one in Larnaca.
“So in total we will have 13 aerial assets, and at the same time the British Bases have brought in two helicopters and have informed us that one is on constant standby and can assist us any time. If needed, the second helicopter will also be placed into operational readiness,” he added.
New firefighters getting trained
When asked about the readiness of services ahead of the summer season, Logginos said that national coordination continues on a daily basis. He pointed out that the summer period is approaching, “so temperatures are rising, which will certainly lead to an increase in fires.”
In response to a question about mountainous areas and whether measures and patrols will increase, Logginos said that rural stations are on standby.
“We have been reinforced with 60 new firefighters and forest firefighters, who are currently undergoing training. We will strengthen patrols and observation posts” he added.
He also mentioned that they have their own drone teams, which are already in use.
He further noted that this year, particularly due to rainfall, vegetation has increased significantly, and therefore the risk of fire ignition and spread is much higher.
CNA