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Tag: firefighting

  • Cyprus wildfires: EU Allocates €2.3 Million for Cyprus Wildfire Recovery

    Cyprus wildfires: EU Allocates €2.3 Million for Cyprus Wildfire Recovery

    cyprus wildfires — cyprus wildfires — The European Commission has allocated €2.3 million from the European Union solidarity fund to aid Cyprus in recovering from the devastating wildfires that swept through the Limassol and Paphos districts in July.

    Raffaele Fitto, the commission’s executive vice-president for cohesion and reforms, announced the funding on social media, detailing that the money will be used for “emergency operations, infrastructure, housing, and restoration.” These wildfires not only ravaged the landscape but also tragically claimed the lives of two individuals and destroyed over 700 structures, burning an area of 124 square kilometres.

    Earlier this year, Cypriot members of the European Parliament had voiced their concerns, calling for increased EU assistance to combat wildfires, which have become an alarming trend across the region. Giorgos Georgiou from the Akel party was particularly vocal, critiquing European Commissioner Hadjia Lahbib for her comments regarding wildfire management. Georgiou lamented the lack of timely support, pointing out that Cyprus has experienced significant losses, stating, “Cyprus unfortunately holds the lead, in a negative way, for the proportion of its total territory burned in the last decade.” He highlighted the EU’s shortcomings, referencing a delayed request for firefighting planes from Spain that took three months to respond.

    Geadis Geadi from the Elam party echoed these sentiments, asserting that the rescEU mechanism has left many countries, including Cyprus, vulnerable to the devastating impacts of wildfires. He proposed reforms to enhance the EU’s response capabilities, aiming to avoid future tragedies.

    In response to the summer’s catastrophic events, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen expressed the necessity for a robust solution during her State of the European Union address in September. She proposed the establishment of a new European firefighting hub in Cyprus, noting, “This summer, we all saw the pictures of Europe’s forests and villages on fire. The scale of the damage is enormous. And we know it is not a one off. Climate change is making each summer hotter, harsher, and more dangerous.” President Nikos Christodoulides welcomed this proposal, describing it as “momentous” and “hugely important” for the region’s future safety.

    The EU solidarity fund, created in 2002, provides crucial financial support for regions affected by disasters. Member states may access this funding when the estimated costs of a disaster exceed €3 billion or 0.6 per cent of their gross national income, enabling them to recover and rebuild after such catastrophic events.

  • Paphos wildfire — Paphos Wildfire Under Control, No Need for Third-Country Aircraft

    Paphos wildfire — Paphos Wildfire Under Control, No Need for Third-Country Aircraft

    paphos wildfire — The major wildfire in the Koili, Stroumbi and Akoursos area of Paphos district has been brought under full control, reducing the need for aircraft from third countries.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    • paphos wildfire — The major wildfire in the Koili, Stroumbi and Akoursos area of Paphos district has been brought under full control, reducing the need for aircraft from third countries.
    • Officials announced that, barring any unforeseen complications, there will be no requirement for additional aerial support, as the situation is now manageable.

    Officials announced that, barring any unforeseen complications, there will be no requirement for additional aerial support, as the situation is now manageable.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Paphos wildfire: On-the-Ground Efforts Make Progress

    The director general of the Ministry of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment visited the affected areas to assess the firefighting operations. He confirmed that robust firefighting forces remained active throughout the night, tirelessly working to extinguish any remaining hotspots.

    Collaboration with Neighbouring Countries

    In light of the progress made, officials have communicated with authorities in Greece, Israel, and Jordan to update them on the situation. While the aircraft from these nations are currently on standby, the local forces are confident in their ability to manage the fire without external assistance.

    Continued Vigilance Required

    Despite the control achieved, seven bulldozers were deployed overnight to assist the firefighters in their efforts, reflecting the seriousness of the situation. The commitment of these teams highlights the ongoing vigilance required to prevent any flare-ups.

  • Wildfire — Major Wildfire Unfolds Between Koili and Stroumbi in Paphos District

    Wildfire — Major Wildfire Unfolds Between Koili and Stroumbi in Paphos District

    A major wildfire is raging in agricultural land between the communities of Koili and Stroumbi in the Paphos district. The fire erupted under unknown circumstances, but strong winds have exacerbated the situation, causing it to spread rapidly.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Wildfire: Firefighting Forces Mobilised

    Fire engines have been dispatched from Paphos and nearby rural stations to combat the blaze. They are joined by personnel from the Department of Forests and local community authorities, all working diligently to contain the fire’s advance.

    Photo: in-cyprus.philenews.com

    Reinforcements Arrive

    Firefighting efforts are continuously being bolstered with additional resources from various districts. Three aircraft, comprising two planes and a Civil Defence helicopter, were deployed earlier for water drops but halted operations within the last hour due to the rapidly changing conditions on the ground.

    Challenging Terrain Hinders Efforts

    The fire is primarily situated in a river gorge, presenting significant challenges for ground crews attempting to access and manage the situation. The Civil Defence and police have been alerted and are prepared for possible evacuations of both Koili and Stroumbi.

    Control Centre Established

    A forward control centre has been set up in the Stroumbi community square, where various agencies, including the Fire Service, Department of Forests, Civil Defence, army, police, and other relevant services, are coordinating their efforts. According to Fire Service spokesperson Andreas Kettis, an active front has developed, with flames moving westward towards the northwest.

    Extent of the Fire

    The fire has engulfed an area measuring approximately one square kilometre, affecting dry grass, wild vegetation, and trees. Strong winds remain a significant obstacle, with a particularly intense front raging out of control between Koili and Akoursos.

    Simultaneous Fires in the Region

    In addition to the major wildfire, a smaller fire is currently reported in the Turkish Cypriot village of Pitargou, which is expected to be brought under control shortly. The situation is being monitored closely, with resources redirected as necessary.

    On-Site Assessments and Management

    Andreas Gregoriou, director general of the Agriculture Ministry, arrived at the control centre shortly after 7pm to assess the situation and determine any necessary actions. He plans to visit the fire front to evaluate the extent of the danger and to decide on further measures for the night or the coming days.

    Local Insights on the Incident

    Michalis Efthymiou, the community leader of Koili, provided insight into the firefighting efforts, stating that while bulldozers are working to combat the fire, fire engines are struggling to reach the blaze due to its location in an inaccessible area. The fire has destroyed mature cypress forests, but Efthymiou reassured that homes in both communities are not currently at risk.

    Human Factors and Unprecedented Timing

    Efthymiou speculated that human factors might have contributed to the outbreak, suggesting that it was likely initiated by someone on foot, as vehicles are unable to access that specific terrain. He noted that experiencing such fires in November is unprecedented, although today’s high temperatures have likely contributed to the fire’s rapid spread.

    Continued Monitoring and Future Actions

    The situation remains fluid, with firefighters and emergency services on high alert. As conditions evolve, further updates will be necessary to ensure the safety of the communities involved and to manage the fire effectively. The collaborative efforts of various agencies highlight the seriousness of the situation and the commitment to protecting lives and property.

  • Uncontrolled Fire Rages Near Kili, Paphos Community Leader Reports

    Uncontrolled Fire Rages Near Kili, Paphos Community Leader Reports

    uncontrolled fire — The uncontrolled fire continues to blaze between Kili and Stroumbi in the Paphos district, with local community leader Michalis Efthymiou highlighting the challenges faced by fire crews. The fire ignited around 10am and has since posed difficulties for fire trucks attempting to reach the site.

    As it stands, seven fire trucks from the Paphos district have been mobilised to tackle the flames. Fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis confirmed that additional support includes two fire engines and a specialised team from the Emak unit, which is trained to access difficult terrain. The forestry department has also dispatched one fire engine and two earthmovers, with two more earthmovers leased from the provincial administration to assist in the firefighting efforts.

    To enhance coordination, an advanced control centre has been established in Stroumbi’s central square. Kettis noted that an active fire front has reignited to the west and is advancing northwest, prompting the redirection of significant resources to contain the blaze.

    On the ground, the Limassol district fire chief is already present, while the operations director will be arriving shortly. A helicopter from the air operations unit is en route to provide aerial support, and organised volunteer groups have been enlisted to bolster extinguishing efforts. Despite these measures, Efthymiou expressed concern over the lack of available aircraft, stating that more should have been deployed to manage the situation effectively.

    Efthymiou described the devastation caused by the fire, which has ravaged many years of cypress forest. He emphasised that the fire broke out in an area so remote that it could only have been ignited by someone on foot, attributing the incident to human factors. However, he assured that the homes within both communities are not under threat.

    The Kili community leader also pointed out the unusual timing of such fires occurring in November, attributing it to abnormally high temperatures experienced on that day. The situation remains dynamic, and local officials are working tirelessly to combat the flames and safeguard the surrounding areas.

  • Paphos fire — Paphos Fire Contained After Consuming 12 Hectares of Land

    Paphos fire — Paphos Fire Contained After Consuming 12 Hectares of Land

    paphos fire — A wildfire in the Paphos district has been contained after burning approximately 12 hectares of dry grass and wild vegetation, according to the Fire Service.

    • paphos fire — A wildfire in the Paphos district has been contained after burning approximately 12 hectares of dry grass and wild vegetation, according to the Fire Service.
    • During the operation, four aircraft carried out water drops, which were crucial in bringing the blaze under control.
    • Shortly after, at 11:11 am, another fire involving a small pile of pruned branches and dry grass occurred in the Konia area, which was also quickly contained.

    The blaze, located west of Goudi village, prompted an extensive firefighting operation involving aerial and ground resources. Three firefighting aircraft completed their water drops and have since left the scene. However, one aircraft continues to monitor the area to ensure the fire remains under control.

    Ground firefighting forces are still active at the location, focusing on final extinguishing operations to prevent any flare-ups. Five fire service vehicles from Paphos district fire stations are assisting, supported by the Forestry Department, which has deployed two firefighting vehicles and a bulldozer. Additionally, the Paphos District Administration has provided another bulldozer to aid in the firefighting efforts.

    During the operation, four aircraft carried out water drops, which were crucial in bringing the blaze under control.

    Multiple wildfires have been reported across the Paphos district within the same day. At 10:36 am, a fire ignited in the “Vatoufkia” area near Koili village. It was successfully brought under control by 11:10 am after burning half a hectare of dry grass and wild vegetation, with two fire service vehicles and one Portable Firefighting Unit responding to the incident.

    Shortly after, at 11:11 am, another fire involving a small pile of pruned branches and dry grass occurred in the Konia area, which was also quickly contained.

  • Cyprus MEPs Express Disappointment Over EU’s Wildfire Response

    Cyprus MEPs Express Disappointment Over EU’s Wildfire Response

    Cyprus MEPs have voiced their frustration, feeling ‘abandoned’ by the EU following the devastating wildfire in Limassol that resulted in two fatalities in July.

    • Cyprus MEPs have voiced their frustration, feeling ‘abandoned’ by the EU following the devastating wildfire in Limassol that resulted in two fatalities in July.
    • Despite expressing gratitude for any assistance received, Panayiotou emphasised that it was insufficient, stating, “You were not in Cyprus when we needed you the most, and this needs to change.”

    During a session in Strasbourg, Cypriot representatives called for enhanced support from the European Union to combat future wildfires. Akel’s Giorgos Georgiou was the first to address the chamber, criticising European Commissioner for Crisis Management, Hadjia Lahbib, for her speech. He highlighted the inadequate response to the wildfires, stating, “I heard you use the word ‘shall’ 10 times and the word ‘must’ 20 times in your speech.”

    Georgiou pointed out that Cyprus led Europe in the proportion of territory burned over the past decade, with 104 square kilometres lost. This, he claimed, underscored the need for urgent EU assistance, particularly regarding the two firefighting planes requested from Spain that had yet to arrive after three months.

    While acknowledging the Cypriot government’s significant responsibility for the wildfires, Georgiou noted that no ministers had resigned in response to the disaster. He contended that the EU also bore blame, stating, “Since 2016, we, the Left group, have been calling for a European air firefighting base to be established in Cyprus. You are outrageously ignoring us.”

    Geadi Geadi of Elam echoed these sentiments, critiquing the rescEU mechanism, which he argued had left countries like Cyprus vulnerable. He proposed the establishment of a robust pan-European fire brigade and stricter penalties for arsonists, alongside increased funding for wildfire victims.

    In a pointed exchange, French MEP Gregory Allione questioned Geadi’s call for more funding for a mechanism he deemed ineffective, prompting Geadi to clarify that his experience at the Limassol fire scene revealed substantial gaps in the current system.

    Independent MEP Fidias Panayiotou added to the criticism, stating, “The European Union did almost nothing to help us,” noting that assistance from non-EU countries such as Jordan and Israel had been more forthcoming than aid from EU member states. He lamented, “This is not a good look for the European Union, and us Cypriots feel abandoned by the EU.”

    Despite expressing gratitude for any assistance received, Panayiotou emphasised that it was insufficient, stating, “You were not in Cyprus when we needed you the most, and this needs to change.”

    Disy’s Michalis Hadjipantela concluded the Cypriot addresses by stressing the ongoing impact of climate change on the island. He asserted that the EU must go beyond mere sympathy, advocating for tangible actions to fortify the rescEU mechanism and better prepare for future incidents. Earlier in the summer, he had called for the EU to station firefighting aircraft in Cyprus.

  • Cyprus Bans Private Drones During Firefighting Operations

    Cyprus Bans Private Drones During Firefighting Operations

    private drones — The use of private drones during firefighting operations is now banned in Cyprus, according to an announcement from the civil aviation department on Wednesday. This decision comes in response to reports of drones flying dangerously close to manned aircraft, jeopardising the safety of firefighting efforts.

    During the summer months, Cyprus frequently faces wildfires, which necessitate the deployment of firefighting aircraft. The civil aviation department emphasised that such close encounters between drones and manned aircraft pose significant risks to both crew and equipment.

    European regulations prohibit the operation of drones near or within areas where emergency response operations are taking place without prior authorisation from relevant authorities. The department reiterated that all drone pilots are required to avoid any risk of collision with manned aircraft. They must be vigilant and terminate their flights immediately if there is any potential danger to aircraft, people, animals, the environment, or property.

    Those who violate this ban will face prosecution, reinforcing the message that safety is paramount during emergency operations. The ban serves to protect both the firefighting personnel and the integrity of the operations being conducted to tackle wildfires.

  • Fire tsada: Fire Erupts in Tsada, Prompting Road Closures and Emergency Response

    Fire tsada: Fire Erupts in Tsada, Prompting Road Closures and Emergency Response

    Fire tsada: A Large Fire Has Erupted In The

    A large fire has erupted in the Tsada area of Paphos, fire tsada leading to significant road closures and a major firefighting operation on Sunday.

    • A large fire has erupted in the Tsada area of Paphos, fire tsada leading to significant road closures and a major firefighting operation on Sunday.

    Authorities swiftly closed the road from Polis Chrysochous towards Paphos, particularly at the Stroumbi area near Lemona, alongside the main Mesogi–Tsada route. Police are actively directing traffic and implementing diversions to ensure safety.

    Authorities Swiftly Closed The Road From Polis

    The situation has drawn a robust response, with both ground and aerial firefighting units deployed to tackle the flames. However, strong winds are complicating efforts to contain the blaze, as reported by the local authorities.

    As the fire continues to rage, officials have indicated that the cause will be thoroughly investigated once it has been fully extinguished. Residents and visitors are urged to stay clear of the affected areas as the firefighting teams work diligently to bring the situation under control.