Kapedes, Cyprus. A large-scale wildfire response exercise involving ground and aerial forces was held on Tuesday near Troodos village of Kapedes in the Nicosia district as part of national forest fire preparedness planning. Officials said it aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the national wildfire response framework and strengthen operational readiness and coordination.
Objectives and scenario
Officials said the exercise was designed to assess the national wildfire response framework while improving operational readiness and cooperation among agencies involved in forest firefighting. The exercise, named Ifestos after the ancient Greek god of fire, simulated a major blaze breaking out southeast of Kapedes, spreading into the Machairas national park, and threatening nearby homes and the surrounding community.
Resources deployed
The drill included the deployment of fire engines, water tankers, ambulances, personnel transport vehicles and firefighting aircraft operating over the area.
Participating agencies
Participating agencies included the forestry department, fire brigade, police, civil defence, national guard, and the joint search and rescue coordination centre (JRCC). British bases personnel and aerial assets also took part.
Officials’ remarks
Forestry department head Savvas Iezekiel referred to the growing threat posed by forest fires and stressed the importance of continuous preparedness and close cooperation between state services and volunteer organisations. He also highlighted forestry department staff for their dedication and professionalism in protecting forests, human life and property.
How prepared do you think Cyprus is to respond to a major wildfire near populated areas?