For the first time, the Mines Service proceeded last Wednesday with the destruction of expired fireworks and smoke bombs within the quarry zone, between the communities of Monagroulli and Vasa Kellakiou, without the presence of police pyrotechnicians.
In all previous cases, the disposal of fireworks was carried out not only in the presence of the Police but also by the police pyrotechnics branch, consisting of nine trained members, which annually undertakes, among other things, the destruction of tens of thousands of fireworks and dangerous explosives.
But what happened in this case, and why did it lead to a catastrophic fire?
The Mines Service contacted the police pyrotechnics team via email, informing them of the day and time of the destruction of the aforementioned fireworks.
The Police responded positively, assuming that the Mines Service would cover the transportation expenses and overtime of the nine-member pyrotechnics team, amounting to several thousand euros.
However, the Mines Service refused to pay any amount, and subsequently, the Police informed them of the safety measures and disarming procedures for the fireworks that had to be taken before and after. It is noted that during the destruction of fireworks by the Police, the Fire Service is also informed to have a fire truck present.
It is noted that the police pyrotechnicians for the destruction of fireworks perform a controlled explosion where needed, while the smoke bombs are burned.
Following this development, the Mines Service decided to proceed with the destruction on its own.
In this case, the destruction of the fireworks was carried out by three technicians of the Mines Service.
Additionally, verbally summoned and present was a fire truck from the Forestry Department. It is noted that the Mines Service did not inform the Forestry Department in advance, although the area of the explosive destruction adjoins state forest land.
However, in case a written request was submitted, as assured by the Forestry Department, it would have been rejected due to the climatic conditions prevailing during last Wednesday.
As it was subsequently found out, for the destruction of the fireworks, the technicians of the Mines Service did not take the necessary measures since, at least in one case, the firework was not disarmed (it split in two parts and the gas was not removed), resulting in it being launched at a distance of approximately 150 meters, where it ignited and due to the rugged terrain, the fire extinguishing was not immediately possible, and it took on significant proportions.
The fire was slow to be brought under control due to the lack of volatile firefighting agents.
The fire broke out on Wednesday morning in the state forest of Limassol and was fully contained yesterday morning.
An area of ​​1.33 square kilometers was burned, covered with shrubby vegetation and scattered pines, of which 0.41 square kilometers consisted of state forest and the remaining area of ​​0.92 square kilometers that burned was private land.
Due to the extent of the fire with flare-ups for the coordination of the firefighting operation, a Local Operations Center was organized by the Forestry Department in the community of Vasa Kellakiou.
Following the events that led to Wednesday’s fire, an administrative investigation is currently underway to identify the errors and omissions of the Mines Service regarding the catastrophic fire in Vasa Kellakiou caused during the process of destroying fireworks and smoke bombs.
The administrative investigation was undertaken by the Internal Control Officer at the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development, and Environment, Haris Nicolaou, who must submit his report by May 7, 2024. The findings will be delivered to Minister Maria Panayiotou, who will decide on any disciplinary responsibilities.
In such a case, a request will be made to the Cabinet for the appointment of an investigating officer.
Until that day, the director of the Mines Service will be on leave. Subsequently, if a disciplinary investigation is decided, a letter will be sent to the Civil Service Commission, which will decide whether or not to place the director on leave.
Full ban on fireworks launches
Following the recent incidents of fire outbreaks in the area of Kouklia village in the Paphos province, as well as due to the prolonged drought and high temperatures prevailing during this period, the Mines and Quarries Service proceeded yesterday with the recall of all permits already issued for the use of fireworks, as well as the non-issuance of new permits.
It is emphasized that all fireworks launches are strictly prohibited in all areas across Cyprus indefinitely.
It is noted that until May 18, there were still 10 scheduled fireworks launches in areas where permits had been granted by the Mines Service.
After yesterday’s decision, all permit holders were notified via email about the recall of their permits. Instructions were given by the Minister of Agriculture, Maria Panayiotou, to the Director-General of the Environmental Department, Kostas Hatzipanayiotou, under whose jurisdiction the Mines Service falls, to immediately recall all permits issued, as well as to consider not granting any additional permits, which was done.
The fire in the Rantidi National Forest Park in Kouklia was caused by fireworks launches. The fire broke out on Wednesday at 8:20 p.m. and was brought under control today around 01:00 a.m. after burning 10 hectares in a rugged area with shrubs and wild vegetation.
It is noted that the Mines Service had issued a relevant permit, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., for fireworks launches at a height of 75 meters, in an open area near a golf course with similar residential, tourist, and commercial developments, in Kouklia, Paphos.
Yesterday, the Police arrested the individual who launched the fireworks and caused the fire, on Wednesday evening in Kouklia.
It concerns a professional who is licensed by the Mines Service for the possession and use of fireworks at various events. The said professional was arrested, interrogated at the Paphos Police Headquarters, and subsequently, after being charged in writing, was released.
However, it is estimated that the extremely adverse weather conditions prevailing in Paphos on Wednesday, with strong winds, should have prompted the individual to postpone any planned activity of this kind.
