Nicosia, Cyprus. Fire chief Nikos Longinos told parliament that serious gaps remain in evacuation planning, fire safety and immediate aerial capacity. He criticised civil defence over shortcomings exposed after last year’s Limassol fires.
Concerns raised to parliamentary committee
Appearing before the House environment committee on Wednesday, Longinos said key weaknesses remain unresolved, particularly in how evacuations are organised and communicated. “I found gaps that have not yet been filled,” he said, adding that prevention and coordination now fall directly under his expanded oversight as acting national coordinator.
Civil defence response and warning measures
Civil defence representatives said evacuation plans are being revised, with around 80 per cent of communities in three districts having updated routes and procedures. In the absence of a fully operational early warning system, expected to be piloted in June, radios have been distributed to community leaders in high-risk areas to enable direct alerts in the event of a fire.
Staffing and station coverage
Longinos said deeper structural weaknesses persist, including a shortage of rural fire stations and limited round-the-clock coverage. He said a formal study has been submitted proposing 24-hour staffing of 14 existing rural stations and the creation of 14 more.
Impact on response times
“By the time a fire truck arrives, we will lose a house or something else,” Longinos said, citing communities such as the village of Tsakistra where the nearest station is a significant distance away. Of approximately 3,500 rural fires recorded annually, around 1,500 break out after 7pm, when many stations close.
What changes do you think are needed to improve evacuation communication in high-risk areas?