The House Committee on Internal Affairs held its first meeting today. The session was dominated by the issue of wildfires, with the National Fire Coordinator emphasizing that this summer is expected to be exceptionally difficult.
 
“We will do everything we can, within the limits of our capabilities, to reduce the likelihood of a fire starting, but if one does start, through the coordination of the relevant services, we will strive to prevent the fire from causing the same devastation as last time,” ^{Nikos Logginos, National Fire
Coordinator} Nikos Logginos referred to a series of measures taken this year following last year’s tragic events in the mountainous region of Limassol. Among the most significant were the establishment of a fire department operations center and the implementation of CY Alert to notify citizens in case of danger. A new tool is now available to authorities, along with special cameras expected to be installed by the end of the year in forests and industrial areas.

“They are capable of sending an alert if they detect smoke or a fire of size 1 by 1, and by the beginning of the year, the Forestry Department will install another 16 of these cameras, which will cover approximately 80% of the forests and open countryside.” ^{Nikos Loginos, National Fire
Coordinator}. Landfills have long been a thorn in the side when it comes to fires, and the relevant authorities are considering the possibility of installing cameras in high-risk areas.

“We note with satisfaction that all relevant agencies have mobilized, and I would like to express my hope and wish that, should similar challenges arise this summer, these commitments and promises will be translated into action.” ^{Aristos Damianou, Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Internal Affairs}

Members of Parliament submitted proposals for improvements that must be made to the legislative framework, civil protection, as well as additional fire prevention measures involving firebreaks. 

Watch Eleni Michael’s report