Debate over 24-hour staffing of Cyprus rural fire stations

Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos of the Cyprus Fire Service has formally requested that 14 rural fire stations move to a 24-hour operational model to improve emergency response. Currently, only three stations (Stroumpi, Moniatis, and Evrychou) operate around the clock, while 14 others function only from 07:00 to 19:00. During the summer period, from July 1 to September 30, five additional stations (Lefkara, Xylophagou, Pachna, Peristerona, and Kelokedara) are temporarily staffed 24 hours a day. On April 22, 2026, the Ministry of Justice and Public Order responded that the request would be reconsidered during the 2027 budget planning process. Concerns regarding this policy were highlighted following a recent fire in the mountainous Limassol region, where a delayed response was attributed to the Pachna station being closed outside of its operational hours. Critics argue that the delay in staffing poses a significant risk to public safety, while authorities cite budgetary constraints for the current delay.