Justice Minister Ionas Nicolaou confirmed that stricter fire safety measures will be taken to prevent devastating fires during the summer season.
Fire stations in Evrychou and Lefkara will now be working longer hours from May to October. A number of firefighters will also increase to 40 permanent and 169 seasonal employees.
The government has prepared a draft of a bill regulating activities, rights and safety requirements for volunteer firefighters, which is believed to improve the operations of fire services.
Last year in June a devastating fire destroyed more than 18 sq.m. of forested area in Solea. After this accident a special committee was formed to implement fire safety measures effectively.
