The new Unified Fire Service Operations Coordination Centre (Eskepy) in Lakatamia officially began operations on April 28, backed by €6.5 million in EU funding, and will provide real‑time monitoring and centralised call management to coordinate emergency responses nationwide, the Fire Service said. Spokesperson Koulla Mesaritou described the centre as the core of this year’s planning, enabling faster mobilisation of forces to protect life, property and the environment.

Authorities say preparations ahead of another long, dry summer include 13 aerial firefighting assets, possible support from helicopters at British bases, increased staffing at rural stations, chain‑equipped rapid response vehicles, staffed observation posts, drones and new fire detection systems in Limassol, Paphos and Larnaca. EU RescEU and interstate agreements remain available for large incidents.

Prevention work and community readiness are also being strengthened: inspections of high‑risk areas, public awareness campaigns, a new law regulating volunteer firefighting groups, and evacuation drills with Civil Defence and local communities aim to address shortcomings from past wildfires.