By Kiki Pericleous
Cyprus requested additional aerial firefighting support from Greece, Jordan and Israel to tackle the wildfire that broke out on Sunday between the communities of Stroumpi and Koili in Paphos, but based on Monday morning’s assessment it was decided that only two Jordanian helicopters would be deployed, the Agriculture Ministry’s director-general Andreas Grigoriou said.
He described the fire as “very difficult”, noting that there were flare-ups throughout the night.
High winds, the rugged terrain and the inaccessibility of parts of the area meant forestry crews and firefighters were unable to work up close along the entire front. Although authorities initially expected to bring the blaze under control by Sunday afternoon, a change in wind direction caused it to spread, forcing a fresh round of coordination, he added.
Fire under control after night operations
Grigoriou said that thanks to actions taken overnight the fire was placed under partial control at around 21:30, with firefighting forces remaining on site to monitor the situation.
During the night, excavators and tracked vehicles were used to open firebreaks on the Koili side in order to stop the flames advancing towards the community.
He explained that officials reviewed the risk level during the night and decided to request additional aircraft from Greece, Jordan and Israel. All three confirmed their readiness and were awaiting an update on Monday morning.
“Based on the morning data, it was decided that not all needed to come and only the two Jordanian helicopters would arrive,” he said, adding that following a briefing from the deputy fire chief and the director of operations he was informed that the fire had been brought fully under control.
A tough day of multiple fires
Grigoriou described Sunday as a “difficult” day, with high temperatures and dry conditions contributing to a series of large fires.
A fire first broke out in Pachna on Sunday morning, followed by the blaze in the Stroumpi-Koili area between Kathikas and Arodes, and another in the Droushia area, he said.
Asked whether Cyprus’ firefighting helicopters had been stood down for the season, Grigoriou confirmed they had been released, as no-one expected major wildfires at the end of November. These aircraft, he noted, usually begin operations in April and stand down around the end of October.