Cyprus government reforms fire management structure

The Cypriot government is drafting legislation to establish a National Civil Protection Mechanism and the office of a National Coordinator. These bills, prepared by the Ministries of Interior and Justice, aim to unify fragmented responsibilities between agencies for disaster management. As a temporary measure for the upcoming summer season, Fire Chief Nikos Longinos has been appointed as the wildfire coordinator. This role was previously held by Andreas Grigoriou, the director general of the Ministry of Agriculture. Longinos will oversee coordination between the Fire Service and the Department of Forestry to resolve jurisdictional disputes. During his tenure as coordinator, Fire Chief Christoforos Stylianou will handle his duties at the Fire Service. The formal appointment is expected to be approved by the Council of Ministers shortly.