The deadly fire that broke out in Arakapas at the weekend ended in a terrible tragedy – four lives lost, scores of homes burnt down across ten communities and 55 square kilometres of land destroyed.

It was the worst fire since Solea in 2016, in which two firemen died during a five-day battle to extinguish it. Over 18 square kilometres of land was destroyed.

Arakapas is now the worst fire on record, replacing the one in Vavla in 2000, which burned 52 square kilometres. The second worst in terms of destruction of land was the Pano Pyrgos blaze of 1998 which burned through 40 square kilometres.

Just like the aftermath of Solea, the blame game started on Monday that authorities were not prepared enough and that they had not taken on board some recommendations made then.

The main two complaints were that the government had not purchased two Canadair planes, and that the procurement of a mobile coordination centre that probably for financial objections, was shelved.

In the usual ‘after the fact’ reaction, the president announced yesterday that the tender for the mobile centre was to be immediately reissued. Too little too late for everyone affected but typical of the government’s tendency to react to events rather than to put more resources into preventing them in the first place.

In any event there are several angles to be examined as part of an investigation into the Arakapas fire.

Complaints have also come from residents of the affected areas who spoke of a lack of coordination and delay in responding. But in any emergency situation involving panic and fear, people will always blame the authorities for something even when the authorities are genuinely trying to do their best.

In this instance firefighters appeared to be really up against it. There were other fires going on that day, diverting resources, and winds were very strong, causing the fire to get out of control really quickly. Experts said the flames raced through eight kilometres in around five hours.

Questions must also be asked about the four dead Egyptian workers relatively young men aged 35, 29, 28, and 24 cut down in their prime. Who was responsible for them? Could they have been warned to get out of there sooner? Perhaps not. But the exact circumstances of their deaths must form part of any inquiry.

As for the 67-year-old man arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. Authorities need to throw the book at him if it’s established that he is the guilty party. This is the only way stupid people will think twice.

The fire service spoke recently of using more national guard patrols and drones to help fire prevention. They also need to look at staffing and equipment issues if there are any.

It’s all well and good to put resources into putting out fires but an equal amount or more should go into prevention and preparedness.

Cyprus generally does well in firefighting but it could always do better.