Our View: Fire readiness needs smarter strategy, not bigger payroll

Some work has been done by the authorities in preparation for the fire season, the House environment committee heard on Wednesday, said the fire chief Nikos Longinos, who was recently appointed acting national coordinator for fires.

There would be adequate aircraft for firefighting by May 1, by which time the authorities will have 11arcraft at their disposal. Four leased planes (Air Tractor) would arrive at the end of this month and another three by the end of April, when four helicopters would also be added to the fleet.