Cyprus ( South) has ramped up preparations for the fire season with nine firefighting aircraft already operational on the island. Two more are expected to arrive in the coming days, bringing the total aerial fleet to 11, comprising six planes and five helicopters.
For the first time, aircraft began arriving as early as March, significantly boosting operational readiness ahead of the peak fire-risk period.
Greek Cypriot Government Spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis stated on Tuesday that the firefighting aircraft have either been leased or provided through international agreements, and all are manned by trained crews. He also noted that five additional aircraft from the National Guard, the Police, and the British Bases are on standby to provide support if needed.
Letymbiotis highlighted the government’s long-term strategy to establish a state-owned aerial firefighting fleet. Procurement has already begun for 10 firefighting planes and four medium-sized helicopters. Plans also include acquiring a heavy-duty aircraft and a long-range coordination aircraft in the future.
As of April 2025, full operational control of the firefighting aircraft will be transferred to the National Guard to improve flight safety and ensure more efficient fleet management.
The spokesperson also announced that the Cyprus Forestry College, which has been closed for nearly a decade, will reopen in September to train new forestry professionals. Preventive measures are also underway, including controlled grazing in the Pyrgos area of Tylliria and the distribution of woodchippers to forest communities to help reduce fire hazards.
( Source: CNA)
