Forest Department: "Significant Staffing Efforts in the Last 2 Years"

The Forest Department responded to the complaint of AKEL MP, Christos Christofidis, regarding the lack of firefighters, stating that in the last two years there have been "significant staffing efforts."

In a statement, the Forest Department emphasizes the "absolute cooperation with the Ministry of Finance" and expresses satisfaction with the response of the Department of Public Administration and Personnel to staffing requests. Today, the Forest Department has 702 firefighters.

The Forest Department called it "unfair" to attempt political exploitation, especially after the deadly fire in the mountainous Limassol region. It highlights the recruitment of personnel, the upgrading of the fire-fighting fleet, and the reopening of the Forestry College after 10 years, which will welcome its first students on September 15.

Since 2024, the number of firefighter positions has increased by 108, following a decision by the Council of Ministers. In addition, the government has satisfied a long-standing request to extend the employment of firefighters from 6 to 8 months. Discussions have also been completed on the terms of employment and the recruitment process for the new unified profession of Firefighter/Fire Guard.

Following the approval of the above, an additional 29 positions were advanced, of which 14 will be vacated by the end of the year.

Source: CYPRUS NEWS AGENCY