The National Programme for the Prevention of Rural Fires `Hephaestus 2014` was set into full implementation by non-profit organisation REACTION Youth for the Prevention, in cooperation with the Cyprus Fire Service.
REACTION President Marios Stavrou said the problem of rural fires was one of the most serious of the past decades during the Summer months, with fires destroying dozens of hectares every year, adding that most fires, according to statistics, were caused by human error.
Deputy Director of the Fire Service Marcos Trangolas said it was imperative to cultivate awareness among citizens regarding the prevention of fires, and noted that persons would be trained to patrol the countryside, as observers with fire-fighting skills.
Presenting `Hephaestus 2014`, Stavrou said it was set to be launched in 2016 but due to the increase in fires it was decided to begin this year.
The programme includes informational material regarding fire prevention, radio spots, and lectures, as well as a tour that will cover 400km through 135 communities and 22 municipalities, to inform the locals about fire prevention.