Cyprus boosts wildfire prevention measures and aerial firefighting capacity

The Cypriot government is allocating over four million euros for wildfire prevention this year, including vegetation clearing and the creation of firebreaks, with an additional one million euros specifically for overgrown areas near forests. Interior Minister Constantinos Ioannou confirmed that the 'Polyvios Plan' has been updated across all communities to improve coordination. Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos announced that authorities are currently operating with 10 aerial assets, including four helicopters and four planes at Paphos Airport, along with two Jordanian aircraft. By May 1, three additional aircraft are expected to arrive, bringing the total to 13. Furthermore, British Bases have provided two helicopters, one of which is on constant standby. Ground operations are also being bolstered with the training of 60 new forest and fire firefighters to support patrols and observation posts.