Limassol Fire: Experts Question Operational Readiness

Following the devastating fire in the Limassol district, experts are questioning the operational readiness of the state mechanism. Agriculture Minister Maria Panayiotou stated that the only way to prevent the fire was for it not to have started, implying inadequacy.

Former Director of the Meteorological Service, Kleanthis Nicolaides, emphasized the lack of coordination and proper risk assessment. Former Director of the Fire Service, Markos Tragkolas, pointed out the failure in the initial stage of dealing with the fire, combined with adverse weather conditions.

Despite warnings from the Meteorological Service and the Fire Service being on high alert, the fire spread rapidly. Nikos Logginos, Chief Fire Officer, had mentioned the increased wind intensity, but patrols failed to detect the fire in time.

Mr. Tragkolas stressed that the bet was lost in the first minutes. Aerial patrols were inadequate, and drones were not used. The first call about the fire was made at 13:28, but the first water drop took place at 14:20.

The winds changed direction, endangering the villages of Lofou and Agios Theraponas. Markos Tragkolas compared the fire to that of Arakapas, emphasizing the rapid spread due to the winds.

Volunteers operated without instructions, and the transport of firefighters from Greece was delayed due to a bus breakdown. The Chief Fire Officer apologized, taking responsibility for operational decisions.

The Head of the Support CY organization noted that the training of volunteers could significantly improve their effectiveness.

Watch the report by Christoforos Nestoros: