Nicosia, Cyprus. British Forces Cyprus announced on Tuesday that a Chinook helicopter will be ready to be airborne at British bases at all times during the summer firefighting season. The announcement comes after last year’s deadly wildfire season and alongside new systems aimed at improving response.
Firefighting capability
Squadron Leader Joel Babbage of RAF Akrotiri’s 1310 Flight said the Chinook is well suited to aerial firefighting and can operate in challenging conditions, including high temperatures and demanding terrain, while carrying significant loads.
Joint exercises and training
The Chinooks and British firefighting crews held a practice exercise with colleagues from the Republic of Cyprus last month, and British firefighters completed training on May 1. Babbage said the joint exercises strengthened interoperability with Republic of Cyprus assets.
New response systems
Several new systems have been introduced this year to improve wildfire response. These include an AI warning system designed to detect smoke sources and a Unified Fire Service Operations Coordination Centre intended to improve communication during crises.
Background
The announcement follows a wildfire in Limassol in July last year that killed two people and destroyed hundreds of homes and businesses.