In the face of one of the most critical fire seasons in recent years, the Republic of Cyprus is developing an unprecedented operational and technological planning aimed at shielding its natural wealth and protecting its citizens against fires.
In a broad, decisive meeting under the President of the Republic, the full x-ray of the readiness of the state services was put on the table, revealing both the powerful weapons being mobilized this year and the ambitious vision for the immediate future. With the total forest area under the effective control of the Republic reaching 338,000 hectares (ha), of which 26% is state forest land, the responsibility that falls to the state services is enormous.
The Department of Forests bears the brunt of fire protection in state forests, as well as in a critical safety zone 2 kilometers from their demarcation line. This geographical region is not negligible, as it makes up 54% of the country's free territory. To effectively manage this vast area, a universal, holistic forest fire management system is now in place, which extends across five pillars: strategic planning, prevention, operational readiness, immediate suppression and environmental remediation.
At the meeting, the Second Phase of the Holistic Fire Surveillance System was approved and launched, a gigantic investment of €28,513,593, which will be implemented over a three-year period. This is a project that radically changes the country's security doctrine, turning Cyprus into a regional model for the use of modern technologies and interoperable communications.
Through automation, the aim is to minimize the time of detection of smoke or heat, the immediate and automatic mobilization of the nearest repressive forces, as well as the provision of a common, live operational picture in real time (Real-Time Situational Awareness) for all involved actors. In this way, the state machine dramatically upgrades its resilience against extreme natural disasters.
The content of Phase B includes specific, specialized actions and high-tech equipment:
• 31 automatic detection systems: Installation of smart sensors and thermal imaging cameras in forest areas, high-risk industrial zones and critical government infrastructure to detect fires in the first seconds of their occurrence.
• Aerial surveillance means: Mobilization of two advanced observation balloons (tethered balloons) of fixed trajectory, which will offer continuous broad-spectrum optical coverage, as well as radical reinforcement and staffing of special teams of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones).
• MANET Network (2nd Phase) and IT infrastructure: Full digital interconnection of the information systems of the Department of Forests, the Fire Service, the National Guard and the Civil Defense, ensuring that no information will be lost due to incompatibility of the means of communication.
• Mobile Operations Centers C2 and C3: Purchase and equipment of special vehicles-control centers, which will go to the field of operations for the immediate, on-site coordination of forces (Command and Control).
• Simulation Softwares: Application of advanced risk forecasting and dynamic simulation computational models, which will predict the direction and speed of fire spread based on soil morphology and meteorological data.
• Building and logistical upgrade: Modernization of existing infrastructure, coverage of pressing building needs and supply of specialized equipment, including new fire trucks, telescopic platforms and special targeting devices for the National Guard.
A comprehensive proposal has already been prepared, the product of exhaustive consultations between the departments involved and the competent Ministries of Agriculture, Defense, Interior and Justice.
The proposal is in the final stage and is expected to be submitted to the Council of Ministers within this month, once the necessary economic views of the Ministry of Finance are incorporated. The aim is to quickly approve the funds, the tender procedures for the supply of equipment, as well as the necessary arrangements for the creation of new jobs, so that the implementation of Phase B can begin without any bureaucratic delay.
