Controlled burning conducted in Machairas forest to prevent wildfires

For the second consecutive year, the Cyprus Department of Forests is conducting controlled burning in the Machairas forest to reduce the risk of large-scale wildfires.

The operations took place on Wednesday in the Maratheftis area on the edge of the forest. Specialists intentionally burn patches of accumulated vegetation that, in the event of an accidental fire, could facilitate the rapid spread of flames, including to private properties.

The department emphasized that such measures are a standard practice for wildfire prevention. Removing dry vegetation helps reduce the amount of fuel material before the start of the summer season.

The operations are carried out under strict supervision and only under suitable weather conditions. The method is internationally recognized and based on scientific recommendations.

It is noted that the work is part of the European project SEMEDFIRE, aimed at studying and preventing fires in the South-Eastern Mediterranean countries.

Such activities are planned to continue across various forest areas in Cyprus until April.