**Heatwave Triggers Fire Brigade Emergency Preparations**
The Cyprus Fire Brigade is ramping up its emergency measures in anticipation of an impending heatwave, as officials aim to bolster fire prevention and response strategies. A national coordination meeting is set for Tuesday, where key stakeholders will gather to assess and refine their plans in light of the forecasted high temperatures, according to spokesperson Andreas Kettis.
The meeting will be chaired by Chief Officer Nikos Longinos, who serves as the national fire coordinator. It will involve various state services and relevant authorities to discuss additional precautions necessary for the expected weather conditions.
Kettis emphasized the department's commitment to fire prevention, stating, “The department has worked hard to prevent fires and to be ready for any event.” He noted that the preparations are focused on minimizing the impact of significant fire incidents, which have been a growing concern in recent years.
As of this year, the fire brigade has already responded to approximately 1,350 fires, with over 10% of these incidents classified as having the potential to escalate into major emergencies. Kettis pointed out that many fires are often caused by human negligence, including discarded cigarettes, outdoor burning, and the use of hot tools. He warned that under the current environmental conditions, the risk of fire ignition and spread is alarmingly high.
To enhance its operational capabilities, the fire brigade has invested in new equipment and infrastructure. This includes the establishment of the National Operations Coordination Centre, funded by €6.5 million from European resources. Kettis mentioned that the brigade is also expecting the arrival of 10 water tanks, each with a capacity of 56,000 liters, which will be strategically placed in areas lacking immediate access to water sources. This initiative aims to improve response times during fire emergencies.
Furthermore, additional vehicles and water tankers, supported by an allocation of over €1.2 million from the Interior Ministry, have been deployed to critical locations in the Larnaca, Limassol, and Paphos districts. Kettis highlighted the importance of these resources, stating, “The use of these diggers in a fire and the tanker for water supply is very important in suppressing and creating firebreaks.”
In addition to enhancing response capabilities, the fire brigade has expanded its fire prevention initiatives. This includes the formation of dedicated prevention teams comprising professional firefighters and increased collaboration with local authorities. Currently, the brigade is reviewing 850 registered dumpsites across Cyprus, with 250 sites recently identified for further scrutiny.
The fire brigade's response network is robust, featuring 13 primary firefighting aircraft, supplementary aircraft from British bases, and helicopters from the police and National Guard. Additionally, the brigade has established collaborative mechanisms with international partners, including Israel, Greece, and the European rescEU system.
To further enhance surveillance and monitoring, the fire brigade has implemented a network of cameras covering rural areas across all districts, providing live feeds to coordination centers. This technological advancement aims to improve early detection and response to potential fire outbreaks.
In a bid to strengthen manpower, the fire brigade has recruited 60 additional hourly staff members, and seven field stations are now operational around the clock. Kettis reiterated the importance of inter-agency cooperation in fire prevention efforts, highlighting the roles of volunteer groups, the Civil Defence, the Forestry Department, and the Game and Fauna Service in the emergency plans.
The Civil Defence has also updated its evacuation procedures under the "Polyvios" plan and has conducted seven evacuation exercises between May and June to ensure preparedness for any potential emergencies.
As Cyprus braces for the heatwave, the fire brigade's proactive measures underscore the critical need to safeguard communities and natural resources from the devastating impacts of wildfires. With heightened awareness and collaborative efforts, officials hope to mitigate the risks associated with the anticipated extreme weather conditions.