All competent state services are at their maximum operational preparedness in order to combat fires Minister of Agriculture, Rural Development and Environment, Dr. Maria Panayiotou said Thursday, addressing "Hephaestus 2024" drill organised by the Department of Forests in the Troodos National Forest Park.

Panayiotou underlined that the adequate preparation, the strengthening of the professional training of the staff and the increased operational readiness is a strategic investment in order to deal with environmental threats.

She added that the drill highlights our commitment to strengthening the response capacity, ensuring a comprehensive and coordinated effort in responding to and extinguishing fires.

She said that we already entered a high risk period and that Cyprus is in cooperation with the EU and neighboring states, as regards especially the field of aerial firefighting.

The drill followed all operational stages of dealing with a forest fire which develops into a crisis at

Troodos National Forest Park, near the Community of Kakopetria.

According to the scenario the community of Kakopetria and neighbouring Galata were potentially at risk and further expansion of the fire, could probably burn a large area of the Troodos Park.

Hephaestus national plan was put in effect and firefighting work was further reinforced by forces from the Forestry Department, Fire Service, Police, Nicosia District Administration, Game and Wildlife Service, Civil Defence, National Guard, Search and Rescue Coordination Center, Ambulance Service, the Department of Meteorology, the British Bases, as well as volunteer groups.

IKAROS plan for air operations was also implemented.