The reinforcement with aerial firefighting means has progressed, stated the Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Maria Panayiotou, following her meeting with the European Commissioner for Environment, Oceans and Fisheries, Virginijus Sinkevičius, on Monday morning at the Ministry of Agriculture.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Director of the Forestry Department, Andreas Christou, reported that two tenders are underway for the purchase of firefighting aircraft and helicopters.
“Due to weather conditions, for the first time this year, the Forestry Department has been on full alert since April 1st instead of May 1st,” noted the Minister of Agriculture, adding that, for the first time this year, the employment period for forest firefighters has been extended to eight months, starting from April.
“For the first time in 10 years,” continued Panayiotou, “the Forestry College will start in January 2025, which is a longstanding request of the Forestry Department to be adequately staffed and meet demands.”
She also mentioned that, for the first time this year, the current government has been instructed to purchase 10 of our own, privately-owned aerial firefighting means over a five-year period. Additionally, she referred to the decision made in a meeting under the President of the Republic to transfer the Aerial Means Unit to the National Guard.
“Protecting the natural environment and prevention of wildfires are priorities for us, as this is the first and most crucial pillar to address them, which is why reinforcement has also progressed in ground means,” stated Panayiotou.
Tenders underway for planes and helicopters
Responding to a question about the readiness of the state mechanism to address wildfires, Andreas Christou, Deputy Director of the Forestry Department, stated that, “regarding aerial means, since the day before yesterday, one aircraft of the Forestry Department is available, which is operationally ready and located in Larnaca with the equipment and personnel needed for its operation.”
Regarding additional aerial means, Christou said that two tenders are in progress. Today, as he explained, the deadline for submitting bids for four planes ends, and we will see if there has been interest and if this interest will lead to a fruitful effort.
“By the end of the month, we will also have offers for the helicopters,” mentioned the Deputy Director of the Forestry Department.
Additionally, he said that the Republic of Cyprus relies on other aerial means, which belong either to the Police or to the National Guard.
He further noted that there is cooperation with the British Bases, which have two helicopters, as well as with neighbouring countries if needed.
“Every year, aerial means are put on alert from May 1st, and the full strength of aerial means is gradually built up,” emphasized Christou, adding that this strength reaches its maximum by the end of May with seven aerial means.
“This year, we started a bit earlier, from April 1st, due to prevailing weather conditions. We are in full development concerning our ground forces,” he stated.
