Cyprus government approves €4.16 million for wildfire prevention

On March 26, the Cyprus Council of Ministers approved an additional €4.16 million to bolster wildfire prevention and response ahead of the summer season. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou announced that the funding is based on cost estimates conducted by district administrations in February. The capital will be used to clear abandoned agricultural land and areas surrounding communities to reduce fire risks. Furthermore, the funds will provide subsidies for community councils to purchase small firefighting vehicles and equipment, with priority given to communities near forests. The budget also covers the rental of earth-moving machinery to be deployed in strategic locations. A total of 20 vehicles, including 12 earth movers and eight tankers, will be positioned in Limassol, Larnaca, and Paphos based on professional risk analysis. To expedite the procurement process, funds will be distributed through community service clusters or directly to local councils. This initiative complements existing wildfire management strategies already implemented by the forestry department.