Cyprus government coordinates national wildfire prevention and response measures

President Nikos Christodoulides held a meeting at the Presidential Palace with key government officials to finalize preparations for the upcoming summer wildfire season. Chief Fire Officer and General Coordinator for Firefighting, Nikos Longinos, confirmed that 13 aerial assets are operational as of April 1st to support firefighting efforts. Authorities are focusing on enhancing prevention strategies, including public SMS alerts and addressing dense vegetation, as human activity is identified as the cause of over 90% of fires. Statistics indicate that approximately 5,000 fires occur annually, necessitating improved response times and community awareness. Additionally, the Unified Coordination Center for Fire Operations (ESKEPY) is scheduled to officially launch on May 18th, initially covering the Nicosia district. The discussions follow last year's severe wildfires in the Limassol district, which resulted in fatalities and significant destruction. Government officials emphasized that the current planning incorporates national emergency protocols to mitigate potential risks this summer.