EDITORIAL: Cyprus fires start political inferno

Just two weeks after the inferno that destroyed most of Saittas, another fire raged in the Kalavassos, further threatening the area near Mosphiloti-Pyrga.

The flames, encouraged by the hot weather and strong winds, will stop at nothing and can destroy homes, villages, farms, vineyards, and many businesses, causing further havoc to the already-suffering rural economy.

It should have been clear by now that fire-fighting, and more importantly fire prevention, should have been high up on the agenda of national priorities, not just because of the charred remains that they leave behind them, but also the consequences that these will have on the livelihood of villagers and the rapidly falling rural population. Instead, politicians take advantage of the television opportunity to rush to the sites of the recent fires to get a few seconds of valuable air time, especially now that we have entered the pre-election period.

Some even resort to cover up their ignorance about rural matters or fire fighting by declaring publicly that this or that should have been done, that millions were wasted on the S-300s that are vacationing in Greece or any other excuse to throw the blame on the other side.

Not once has any of these politicians sounded praise for the fire fighters, some of whom have died in the past years trying to put out a blaze that threatened nearby houses. Politicians only get to have their say when the state budget is before them with MPs and Ministers squabbling over which department should get what, if anything.

They should have established an action plan and forced changes on the relevant government departments. If funding is the problem, then why not use their bright brain cells to come up with alternative methods to finance more fire breakers and their maintenance, to increase patrols and arm the fire service with a larger fleet of vehicles on the ground and air support.

NGOs and charity groups are often deployed to help in the reforestation, which many organizations do with great pleasure.

Isn’t it about time that Cyprus, with its climatic conditions that spark fires very frequently and its location in the eastern Mediterranean, have a proper team of fire and rescue operations for land and sea?

European funds should have been pouring in to combat the problem of illegal migrants, with Cyprus being one of the primary stops to economic prosperity for many. Funds are available and Cyprus’ officials in Brussels should be lobbying for more funds to help in the fire fighting, prevention and the air-and-sea rescue at home and in the region.