Nicosia: Two firefighting aircraft stationed in Cyprus have departed for France to assist in combating the wildfires currently affecting the country. This deployment came in response to a request from Paris, which was submitted through the European Civil Protection Mechanism.
According to Cyprus News Agency, National Civil Protection Coordinator and Chief Fire Officer Nikos Logginos stated that the request specifically concerned the two aircraft of the Republic of Cyprus. These aircraft, leased to Cyprus by the EU through rescEU, are based on the island and made available to the European mechanism when necessary. The aircraft, named Forest 3 and Forest 4, took off with a crew consisting of two pilots, an observer, and a mechanic, and are scheduled to arrive in Perpignan at approximately 19:00 local time.
Logginos also mentioned that an eight-member team is traveling to France on a private flight, which is expected to reach the destination ahead of the aircraft. The Cypriot mission is anticipated to remain in France for about five days, during which the crews will operate in areas designated by the French authorities based on operational requirements.
The decision to send assistance was facilitated by the Ministry of Interior, as there are currently no large active fire fronts in Cyprus.