Cyprus bolsters firefighting efforts with 25 new fire trucks

In a major boost to Cyprus’ firefighting capabilities, the department of forests received 25 new fire trucks on Friday, reinforcing efforts to combat wildfires ahead of what is expected to be a challenging summer season. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou, who attended the handover ceremony, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the department with additional aerial firefighting resources.

Speaking at the event, Panayiotou described the day as a moment of pride for the government and her ministry. 

“Our goal is to provide the department of forests with the necessary personnel and equipment to carry out their crucial mission of protecting our forests,” she said.

While prevention remains a priority, she acknowledged that effective fire suppression is also a key aspect of the ministry’s strategy. The minister expressed gratitude to those involved in securing the new vehicles and highlighted that investment in equipment is ongoing. 

“We continue to strengthen the department of forests, including our aerial firefighting capabilities,” she added.

The department’s director, Savvas Iezekiel, welcomed the reinforcements, noting that well-trained personnel are now equipped with advanced fire trucks to tackle blazes both within and beyond forested areas. He also revealed that six bulldozer transport platforms and six water tankers are expected to be delivered in the coming days, further enhancing firefighting efficiency. 

“We are committed to maximising the use of this equipment to safeguard our forests, communities, and environment,” he said.

Representatives from Star Automotive Hellas, the supplier of the fire trucks, expressed hope that the vehicles would not be needed, though they acknowledged the increasing wildfire risks linked to climate change. 

“To maintain peace, one must be prepared for war. These trucks are ready for battle,” said company president Ioannis Kaligeris.

According to the agriculture ministry, additional firefighting equipment is expected to be procured in 2026. A contract is currently in progress for 17 large fire trucks capable of carrying six tonnes of water each. A separate tender for firefighting aircraft is also underway as part of the broader “Forest Fire Protection” initiative, which has a total budget of €25.7 million under the recovery and resilience plan.

Fire service chief Nikos Longinos stressed that cooperation between government departments remains strong, including with the newly formed aerial firefighting unit, now under the operational control of the National Guard. Addressing concerns over coordination, Longinos reassured that regular meetings and joint exercises ensure seamless integration.

“We have an excellent working relationship, and we are already planning a large-scale drill on May 15 to fine-tune our response before the fire season peaks,” he said.

As Cyprus braces for another high-risk summer, the government’s investment in fire prevention and suppression measures signals a proactive approach. With reinforced ground and aerial units, authorities hope to better protect the island’s forests and communities from the devastating impact of wildfires.