Cyprus intensifies firefighting efforts: new aircraft arrive in the country

Cyprus is finalizing preparations for the fire season, significantly strengthening its aerial firefighting capabilities. On Friday, May 1, three more aircraft arrive on the island, bringing the total number of aviation units to 13.

As reported by Fire Service Chief Nikos Longinos, aviation was deployed earlier than usual this year — since April 1. According to him, one of the new aircraft will become the property of the Republic of Cyprus, while two others are temporarily used under lease agreements until the acquisition procedures are completed.

Special attention is paid to the operation of the Unified Operations Coordination Center, which, according to Longinos, is one of the most modern in Europe. The center allows real-time coordination of actions for all services — the fire department, forest department, and civil defense.

One of the key innovations is the ability to promptly assess the situation at the scene. Upon receiving a call, a citizen can be sent an SMS message requesting an image from the scene of the incident. This allows for a faster determination of the fire's scale and the dispatch of the necessary amount of equipment and personnel without wasting time.

According to the head of the fire service, such a system significantly reduces response time and increases the efficiency of operations.

Authorities emphasize that all involved services are already on high alert, and coordination between them has been established in advance. The strengthening of the aviation fleet and the introduction of new technologies are intended to minimize risks and respond more quickly to potential outbreaks in the upcoming summer months.