The first heavy vehicles and tankers have already taken up battle positions in strategic points of the Limassol district, and specifically in the communities of Vati and Kivides, marking the practical implementation of the plan for the protection of rural communities.
This measure, which was approved by the Council of Ministers on March 26, 2026, concerns the lease and placement of a total of 12 land forwarders and 8 tanker vehicles on standby.
The total cost for this action amounts to €1.2 million and is in the context of the implementation of measures to strengthen preparedness and prevention against rural and forest fires, with the start of the summer season.
These vehicles have begun to be deployed in designated locations in the Districts of Limassol, Larnaca and Paphos. The selection of locations, as in the case of Vati and Kivides, was made after a detailed risk analysis and operational assessment by the competent Services. The aim is to respond immediately in the event of a fire, with vehicles remaining stationary at these points throughout the summer season, i.e. from June 1 to September 30, 2026.
It is noted that this practice is already being implemented by the Department of Forests, which has placed vehicles in areas under its responsibility, with a positive contribution to the faster and more effective extinguishing of fires.
Therefore, these points are different from those where the Department of Forests is already operating with its own vehicles. In this way, the coverage of a much larger geographical area in the countryside is achieved and the capacity of the competent forces is significantly enhanced. According to information, within the next few days, the contracts for the rest of the vehicles are expected to be signed, in order to complete their placement in the predetermined zones.
The placement of the thrusters and tankers is part of a broader, holistic plan of the government. As stated by the Minister of the Interior, Konstantinos Ioannou, immediately after the decision was taken by the Council of Ministers last March, a total fund of €4.16 million was approved. for the implementation of a series of decisive measures.
"The government's goal is to strengthen the effort for proper preparation and prevention to deal with rural and forest fires, in view of the summer season," Mr. Ioannou had pointed out, stressing the importance of the timely mobilization of both state services and the communities themselves, in combination with the appointment of a National Coordinator for fires.
In addition to the rental of the vehicles, the €4.16 million covers two other important pillars:
Concession of €1.96 million in clusters or in community councils for the cleaning of abandoned agricultural land and the creation of fire zones around the perimeter of the communities. The radius of the cleanings was determined following on-site visits and suggestions by the Fire Service. At the same time, the District Administrations have been instructed to carry out strict checks to ensure that the necessary cleaning in and around the residential zones has been completed.
Community councils are subsidized with a total amount of €1 million. for the purchase of single-cabin fire trucks with an autonomous fire extinguishing system. Priority is given to communities adjacent to forests or in clusters with inadequate firefighting equipment. It is recalled that the state subsidy rate for the purchase of these vehicles has increased from 50% to 80%, a measure that has borne fruit, as since its implementation (May 2025) 32 additional community requests have been approved, with the total sponsorship reaching €1.28 million.
