Nine fire trucks that would normally be decommissioned and sold will be donated to mountain communities to bolster fire fighting efforts there.
The fire trucks until recently belonged to the Forestry Department and have been replaced with newer vehicles as the department upgrades its fleet.
The decision was taken by cabinet last week at the suggestion of the Agriculture Minister.
Eight small fire trucks and their equipment will be given to the community councils of Kyperounta, Androlykou, Ayios Mamas, Dieronas, Simi, Neo Chorio Paphos, Spilia and Askas and a big truck will be donated to Tamasos Bishopric.
They will be operated by personnel from the community councils and volunteers who will be trained by Forestry Department officials.
The trucks will increase readiness to tackle fires and help government efforts to protect the forests.
The trucks have been replaced with 21 new, modern vehicles — eight large and 13 medium sized.
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