Two helicopters are expected to arrive in Cyprus on Tuesday as part of the country’s efforts to increase its state of preparedness in case of fires.
The two helicopters will join six other aircraft used for the same purpose.
The Director of the Forestry Department, Charalambos Alexandrou, told CNA that the two leased helicopters and their crews are expected to arrive on Tuesday. This will raise the number of the Republic’s aircraft whose primary aim is firefighting, to eight, he said, adding that the goal of raising their number from six to eight “has been achieved.”
He said that, upon arrival the helicopters will be inspected, and after the crews are briefed, they will be ready to operate when necessary.
“Efforts will be made to have them ready by next weekend,” he added.
Alexandrou also said that the Forestry Department, has at its disposal a drone for regularly monitoring, in cooperation with the Cyprus Institute, some areas while their goal is to very soon increase their number to two. He also said that they are using, when necessary, the services of the Civil Defence in terms of the use of drones, as well as a camera that provides information for fire detection, of the Cyprus Joint Rescue Coordination Center.
The Forestry Department Director said that existing conditions are more difficult, as the temperatures have risen, and relative humidity is very low, which makes their work more difficult, and called on members of the public to avoid any activities that could start fires. He pointed out that sparks on dry vegetation will lead to fires as people, in such hot and dry climate conditions, will be unable to contain the flames.
Source: Cyprus News Agency