The Civil Defence Force is on full alert to assist in firefighting efforts if needed, its press spokesman, Panayiotis Liasides, said.
The Force runs daily, continuous patrols in every district, he said, and remains in constant contact with the General Coordinator for Major Fires, Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos, and other relevant services.
Asked about the Force’s recent activity, Liasides said that during the fire that broke out on the afternoon of Saturday, August 15, in the Lysos community in Paphos district, a Civil Defence patrol was already in the area and went to the scene. The Paphos Search and Rescue Department was alerted, and a member from Limassol also travelled to the area.
The Civil Defence Force assisted at the Lysos fire with a total of five vehicles and 10 members, he said, and the Force’s deputy commander, Colonel Theodoros Lemoniatis, was also at the scene.
On the fire in Pissouri on Sunday, August 16, Liasides said the Civil Defence Force mobilised seven units with a total of 20 members, together with the Foini team based in the village of Foini.
The Force’s deputy commander was at the Fire Service’s headquarters in Nicosia, he added.
He also noted that 10 homes were evacuated as a precaution during the Pissouri fire, and Civil Defence members helped the Fire Service secure the area.
On other activities, Liasides said the Force’s drone team is assisting with aerial patrols alongside the Forestry Department.
He noted that the Civil Defence Force runs patrols in every district, which are daily and continuous.
“We are in constant contact with the General Coordinator for Major Fires, Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos, and other relevant services. We are monitoring the Meteorological Service’s forecasts and are generally on full alert should anything be needed,” the Civil Defence press spokesman concluded.
(Information from Cyprus News Agency)
