FIRE FIGHTERS yesterday demonstrated their new Disaster Reaction Unit as the Chief of the Fire Department George Hadjigeorghiou, Justice Minister Nicos Koshis and other dignitaries officially launched Fire Safety Week.
The nationwide campaign entails raising public awareness through the dissemination of information regarding how to prevent and put out fires in both rural and urban areas.
As part of the launch, the Fire Fighting Services put on a display of their new Special Disaster Reaction Unit in a mock scenario where they had to tackle a fire in an area inaccessible to fire fighting vehicles. The specially trained fighters were lowered from a helicopter amidst a whirlwind of dust. Those who could see beyond the yellow haze witnessed a demonstration of fire-fighting capabilities by the unit. The Department also displayed an array of specialised fire fighting vehicles, including the heavy-duty airport fire engine and equipment used to deal with hazardous chemicals.
During the week, fire stations throughout the country will be open to the public to observe fire fighters working under both calm and emergency conditions and see fire fighting equipment from close hand.
The Fire Department is seeking to forge closer ties with the public by emphasising the need for increased awareness of fire prevention, especially in rural areas, where 65 per cent of fires occur. “With this campaign, we wish to pass on the message to the public, that human error is the main cause of fires,” said Hadjigeorghiou.
And he had a special message for the farming community. “We will stand side by side with farmers to help them in a practical and effective way to protect our natural environment from the flames which engulf our countryside every year.”
The weeklong campaign will involve volunteer fire fighters visiting schools, homes, factories and hotels, passing on vital information on preventing and dealing with fires.
To coincide with the campaign, a lecture is being given tomorrow by Greek-American fire fighter Peter Chritsimilios on the New York Fire Department’s response to the September 11 World Trade Centre disaster. The lecture is at 6.45pm, at the Laiki Sporting Club.
Koshis said a concerted effort was required to take all precautionary measures to protect the countryside from the “evil demon of fire”.
He said the government had decided to buy three fire-fighting helicopters, which would be put to other uses as well. Until then, two leased helicopters will be fully operational at Paphos Airport from June 1.
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