Final day of operations expected
Today is expected to be the final day of operations for the two Cyprus firefighting aircraft deployed to help tackle major wildfires in France.
If conditions do not deteriorate, the process of returning the aircraft to Cyprus will begin tomorrow, National Civil Protection Coordinator and Fire Chief Nikos Longinos told the Cyprus News Agency (CNA).
According to Longinos, the two aircraft sent by Cyprus “have contributed significantly both to containing the active fire front and tackling flare-ups”.
“Today appears to be the final day that the aircraft will remain. If everything proceeds smoothly, they will operate today and the process of returning them to Cyprus will begin tomorrow, unless conditions change dramatically and new instructions are issued by France’s Civil Protection authorities,” he said.
Aircraft operating from Perpignan
The Cyprus firefighting aircraft have been operating in south-western France from Perpignan Airport, located approximately 40 kilometres from the fire front.
The aircraft were deployed as part of efforts to support French authorities in tackling the major wildfires and preventing renewed outbreaks.
Cyprus remains on full alert
Regarding Cyprus’ operational readiness, Longinos assured that the country remains fully prepared despite the deployment of the two aircraft to France.
“We remain prepared and on alert 24 hours a day. Eleven aircraft remain in Cyprus, while aircraft operated by the British Bases are also available and can become involved in firefighting operations,” he said.
However, he stressed that the effectiveness of aerial firefighting does not depend solely on the number of aircraft available.
Other factors, including wind strength, terrain, vegetation, temperature and relative humidity, can significantly affect firefighting operations.
Longinos noted that even in countries such as France and Spain, where more than 100 aircraft may be involved in operations, some wildfires remain particularly difficult to bring under control.
How the rescEU mechanism operates
Referring to the operation of the European rescEU mechanism, Longinos explained that when a country faces serious wildfires, it submits a request for assistance through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The request is then forwarded to countries with pre-positioned aerial firefighting resources, which assess whether they are able to respond.
In Cyprus’ case, the deployment was possible because there were no major active wildfire fronts on the island at the time.
Longinos added that every deployment includes a technical and operational support team alongside the aircraft crews.
Upon arrival in the host country, the team is briefed by local authorities on the area’s specific conditions and incorporated into the operational plan. It remains part of the response until the mission is completed and the team is released to return home.
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