Fire Service Requests Reinforcements After "Mega" Fire in Limassol

The Fire Service characterizes the fire in mountainous Limassol as a "mega" fire, emphasizing the creation of a new state of affairs in natural disasters. Chief Fire Officer Nikos Logginos is requesting a restructuring of plans, resources, and protocols for dealing with such incidents.

According to Mr. Logginos, the fire on July 23, 2025, was particularly intense, unlike the fires of 2016 and 2021. He rejects claims of miscommunication, clarifying that he informed those responsible without giving them instructions.

Mr. Logginos recommends strengthening firefighting and rescue forces in rural areas, proposing the construction of new Rural Fire Stations, extending their hours to 24/7, reinforcing the vehicle fleet, and upgrading existing stations. To implement the above, 14 new stations, 1,240 new personnel positions, and 73 new vehicles are required.

Currently, only three of the 17 Rural Fire Stations are staffed 24/7 (Evrychou, Moniati, and Stroumpi). Staffing all stations 24/7 is considered essential for a more effective response to incidents.