The government is in full operational readiness, with reinforced forces, modern means and a clear strategy for civil protection, said Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis on Tuesday, noting that this year’s fire season finds the country more prepared and strengthened than ever.
In statements at the Presidential Palace during a press briefing, the Spokesperson said that, today the state has the largest number of forest firefighters ever, the most powerful fleet of ground-based forest firefighting vehicles, and the largest aircraft fleet in the history of the state, and has done so much earlier than in other years.
“As of June 1, nine primary aircraft are already operating on the island, while the arrival of two more is expected in the coming days, with the total fleet reaching 11 aircraft, five helicopters and six aircraft,” he said.
He added that this year, for the first time, the arrival of aircraft began in March, ensuring increased operational readiness before the peak of fire risk.
These assets have either been leased or are provided within the framework of interstate agreements and are accompanied by trained crews. At the same time, the Spokesperson said, five additional aircraft from the National Guard, the Police and the British Bases could be activated in a supporting role.
Regarding the strategic transition to a state-owned fleet, he said that the procurement for 10 firefighting aircraft and 4 medium-sized helicopters has begun, while a study for the purchase of aircraft also includes, in the long term, the acquisition of one heavy-duty aircraft and one long-range coordination aircraft.
He reiterated that as of April 2025, the entire operational responsibility for aircraft has been transferred to the National Guard, with the aim of enhancing flight safety and efficient management of the air fleet.
The Spokesperson also recalled that the Cyprus Forestry College, after almost 10 years, is reopening and will receive students in September. He said that the implementation of preventive measures has also begun, such as controlled grazing in Pyrgos in the Tylliria area, as well as providing forest communities with woodchippers.
Also read: Fire Service warns public about high risk of fire outbreaks
Source: CNA
