The Republic of Cyprus’ Ground Forest Fire Fighting Module in the European civil protection exercise PT EU MODEX 2026 in Portugal was completed with “absolute success”, said the Forestry Department in a press release.
Cyprus’ Ground Forest Fire Fighting Module (CY GFFF) is the first Cypriot team to enter the European Commission’s certification process and is eligible for deployment in providing international assistance in cases of major forest fires, following a request from another state through the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. The team consists of a total of 45 members - 16 from the Forestry Department, 13 from the Fire Service, 9 from Civil Defence and 7 from the Ambulance Service.
The civil protection exercise took place in the Viseu Dão Lafões region of Portugal between 5-8 May as part of the EU Civil Protection Mechanism.
The Ground Forest Fire Fighting Module is coordinated by the Forestry Department as the competent authority responsible for combating forest fires in the Republic. “The Forestry Department bears responsibility both for the certification process of the Module and for its subsequent operational readiness, activation and response, whenever and if requested through the Mechanism,” the statement adds.
According to the press release, more than 700 members of international missions from Portugal, Spain, Poland, the Czech Republic, France and Cyprus participated in the exercise, “strengthening European cooperation in tackling major forest fires and emergency situations”.
During the exercise, teams from various European countries worked together on complex large-scale scenarios aimed at enhancing interoperability, coordination and the exchange of expertise under real operational conditions.
“Our participation was a great honour and an important experience, highlighting the professionalism, dedication and operational capability of the personnel of the Republic of Cyprus at European level,” the Forestry Department said, thanking all members of the mission “for their dedication, discipline, professionalism and excellent representation of the Republic of Cyprus throughout the exercise”.
Source: CNA
