A collaborative effort among several nations, including Greece, Lebanon, Israel, and Jordan, has been forged to combat relentless wildfires plaguing parts of Cyprus. As the scorching summer temperatures intensify, a multinational task force has mobilized its resources to aid Cyprus in battling the devastating blazes. Israel, demonstrating solidarity, dispatched two “Air-Tractor” firefighting planes, expert ground crews, and six tons of flame retardants to the island. This adds to the substantial contribution of Greece, which is sending 20 tons of firefighting materials.

Upon request for assistance by Cyprus due to #wildfires near #Limassol we have activated the #EUCivilProtectionMechanism.

Greece has already responded and will send 2 Canadairs in the morning to assist in fighting the large fire in Limassol district. Thank you, 🇬🇷! #EUsolidarity pic.twitter.com/SII3hmvvbC

— Janez Lenarčič (@JanezLenarcic) August 6, 2023

Lebanon is contributing with two helicopters, while Greece is deploying two Canadair aircraft to quell the flames in the mountainous region situated about 11 miles north of Limassol, a coastal town. Jordan has also rallied behind the cause, sending three aircraft, including two Super Puma helicopters and a Russian-made Mi26 helicopter. This collaborative endeavor aims to contain the fire that has scorched approximately 3.2 square miles of land, as stated by Agriculture and Environment Minister Petros Xenophontos.

Although the blaze had been largely subdued overnight, it rekindled in several areas, prompting air and ground crews to once again spring into action. Xenophontos emphasized the persistent threat of fires and climate change, underscoring the necessity of unwavering efforts against such crises. Justice Minister Anna Koukkides-Procopiou highlighted the forthcoming preemptive operations to extinguish potential pockets of fire. Andreas Kettis, a spokesperson from the Fire Department, revealed the deployment of ground crews to create firebreaks, a vital strategy to contain the flames.

Notably, the residents of three villages have been able to return home after evacuation measures were initially undertaken as a precautionary measure. The relentless dedication of numerous firefighters, including volunteers, combined with fortuitously subsiding winds, facilitated the containment of the fire overnight. Although the fire first erupted on Friday and was declared contained the following day, its rekindling has raised concerns among officials. Xenophontos dismissed speculation of arson and attributed the resurgence to strong winds in the area.

“Fires are here, climate change exists and unfortunately it won’t go away,” Xenophontos told reporters.

Amid this collaborative fight against the wildfires, some firefighters who were previously on the front lines are now taking reprieve, standing ready to tackle potential outbreaks across the island. This comprehensive international response underscores the collective commitment to preserving lives, property, and nature from the devastating impacts of wildfires.