A series of measures to strengthen fire protection to limit the spread of wildfires will be introduced together with mountains commissioner Charalambos Christophinis, the forestry department announced on Thursday.

Both highlighted the creation of a “protective ring” around endangered areas as a core measure to protect nature and residents.

An increase in the number of fires was expected because of rural abandonment and climate change, they said. This has resulted in a large accumulation of flammable material in combination with prolonged droughts and lack of rain.

“Particularly vulnerable are mountainous and semi-mountainous forest communities, where there is an increased risk of large fires, threatening human lives, infrastructure and the natural environment,” the authorities said.

Aiming to “reduce the risk of fires starting and spreading in state forests and within a distance of up to two kilometres from their boundaries”, both said a focus will be laid on reducing piles of flammable material.

The measures will be introduced as part of the ‘Vegetation Management Study with the aim of Fire Protection of Forests and Parasitic Communities’ programme.

Implementation of the measures will be carried out within the state forests by the ministry, while in areas outside the forests, relevant local administration will be in charge.

“For the protection of the natural environment and the safety of communities, the cooperation of all of us is essential, while prevention and vigilance are our most important weapons against the risk of forest fires,” an announcement said.

Cyprus has seen several devastating wildfires, causing the loss of more than 3,300 hectares of land and the evacuation of residents. The Paphos area was struck most, with nearly two dozen homes damaged in one fire in June last year.

No human lives were lost, yet the disaster highlighted the lack of effective preventive strategies. Typically, the peak fire season begins in late April and lasts between four to five months.