Cyprus cabinet approves 4.16 million euros for wildfire prevention

On March 26, the Cypriot Council of Ministers approved an additional 4.16 million euros to strengthen wildfire prevention and response measures ahead of the summer season. Interior Minister Konstantinos Ioannou announced that the funding aims to improve operational capacity and equipment. The allocated budget is based on cost estimates prepared by provincial administrations in February in consultation with community clusters. Funds will be directed toward clearing abandoned agricultural land and areas surrounding villages to create fire safety zones. Financial resources will be distributed directly to community councils or through community service clusters to expedite the bidding and execution process. Additionally, the Fire Service is currently conducting inspections in communities to define specific protective perimeters around villages in cooperation with local leaders.