Nicosia, Cyprus. Cyprus will deploy 13 firefighting aircraft this summer alongside new artificial intelligence detection systems and a nationwide SMS alert network, fire brigade chief Nikos Logginos said after a presidential palace meeting on wildfire preparedness.
Preparedness meeting at presidential palace
Logginos spoke on Tuesday following a roundtable discussion chaired by President Nikos Christodoulides. The meeting reviewed operational capabilities and preventative measures ahead of the summer fire season.
Assessment of last year’s fires
Logginos said authorities had strengthened coordination and prevention efforts following an assessment of last year’s fires. He said this year’s strategy focused on addressing weaknesses identified during previous operations, adding, “There is always room for improvement.”
High vulnerability and focus on prevention
Logginos said Cyprus remained highly vulnerable to wildfires, with human activity responsible for more than 90 per cent of incidents. He said around 5,000 fires are recorded annually across the island and stressed that prevention, public awareness and early intervention are essential in limiting destruction.
Aircraft and ground response
According to Logginos, the fire brigade and the forestry department have had aircraft operational since April, while ground units remain on constant standby to respond during the critical first minutes of an outbreak.
Local measures and illegal dumping sites
Community leaders have been instructed to clear firebreaks, remove dry vegetation and ensure emergency access routes remain open. Logginos said illegal rubbish dumps continued to present a serious hazard, with around 850 sites identified by local authorities and the environment department, and said funding has been allocated for clean-up operations and monitoring. “If possible, these should be eliminated entirely,” he said.
What steps are being taken in your community to reduce wildfire risks this summer?
