Deficiencies exposed in fire preparedness at national coordination meeting

Deficiencies in Cyprus’ preparedness for forest fires were identified on Tuesday during the first coordination meeting under newly appointed fire and civil defence chief Nikos Longinos, despite assurances that services are ready for the upcoming fire season.

The meeting, held at the fire brigade’s headquarters in Lakatamia, highlighted weaknesses in evacuation planning and coordination, with civil defence reported to be unprepared in key areas including how evacuations will be carried out and how the public will be informed.

Longinos said the focus must be on “prevention and coordination”, stressing that while aligning multiple services is challenging, following national plans would allow authorities to respond effectively.

“The role we all have to play is extremely important,” he said, adding that “if the special national plans are followed, it is a given that we will manage to deal with whatever comes.”

The national fire mechanism will be activated when a blaze risks escalating into a crisis, with operational coordination shifting to the joint rescue coordination centre (JRCC) to manage ground and aerial resources.

In more severe scenarios requiring international assistance, an inter ministerial committee will be convened.

Participants agreed that all services must urgently review and update their plans, many of which were described as outdated, particularly in light of last year’s deadly fires in the foothills of Limassol.

Longinos said daily coordination with the met office will be introduced, with meetings triggered up to 48 hours in advance when extreme conditions such as high temperatures, strong winds and low humidity are forecast.

“We will do everything possible to reduce the chances of a fire starting and spreading,” he assured, while warning that “no one can fight nature”.

Efforts to strengthen response capacity are under way, with authorities expecting 11 firefighting aircraft to be available by May 1, including additional planes and helicopters.

At the same time, fire brigades have begun visiting rural communities to improve prevention measures, urging local authorities to clear vegetation, maintain firebreaks, check hydrants and identify risk factors.

So far, around a quarter of communities have been reached.

Longinos confirmed that wider upgrades are in progress, including new rural fire stations, expanded patrols, the recruitment of additional personnel and the rollout of surveillance systems using cameras and drones to detect fires early.