Address by the Chief Fire Officer of the Republic of Cyprus, Mr Nicos Logginos, on the occasion of the agroforestry preparedness and response exercise “Pyrsos 2025”

It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that I welcome you today to the agroforestry preparedness and response exercise “Pyrsos 2025”.

Today’s exercise is being carried out in the context of reinforcement of the preparedness of the agroforestry firefighting mechanism for the current summer fire season and in order to assess the operational readiness of all State suppression services. It is hosted near the Community of Agios Theodoros in Larnaka District, under the supervision, administrative, and operational organisation and coordination of the Cyprus Fire Service.

The primary objective of this specific exercise, during which the national emergency plan “Ikaros II” is being activated – engaging aerial firefighting resources of the Republic of Cyprus, the British Defence Fire and Rescue Service (DFRS), as well as the two aerial firefighting resources from the neighbouring country of Jordan – is to strengthen the readiness and interoperability of the entire firefighting mechanism, to reduce response times and optimise the collaboration of all participating forces. These forces will contribute to both ground and aerial operational actions in response to natural disasters, particularly agroforestry wildfires, during the current summer fire season.

This year’s exercise is taking place during a critical period. The climate crisis is no longer a theoretical scenario, but a reality that we experience on a daily basis. Prolonged drought, lack of rainfall, rising temperatures, and strong winds are creating extremely hazardous conditions for the outbreak and spread of fires. The current fire season is expected to be particularly challenging, requiring the highest level of preparedness and cooperation.

The importance of international cooperation, which is an integral part of our strategic approach on fires, cannot be overlooked. The Cyprus Fire Service, recognising the seriousness of the crisis situation, has long established Memorandum of Cooperation with counterpart Services in friendly neighbouring countries, such as Greece and Israel, which respond promptly to any emergency situation.

When circumstances demand it, the close ties maintained with the British DFRS prove their value through consistent operational cooperation whenever the need arises, and I would like to express our sincere gratitude for their valuable assistance.

I would also like to thank all Delegations of foreign countries of Greece, Israel, Jordan, and Slovenia for their presence at today’s exercise, which serves as a tangible confirmation of the strong bonds of cooperation and mutual assistance that unite us, wherever and whenever needed.

(MS/GS)

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