Fire Brigade Bolsters Ranks with 259 New Firefighters
In a significant boost to the nation’s firefighting capabilities, the fire brigade is on the cusp of completing the recruitment process for 259 new firefighters. This influx of fresh talent will augment the existing workforce, which currently stands at 680 personnel.
The announcement came during a graduation ceremony for probationary firefighters, where Justice Minister Marios Hartsiotis underscored the importance of strengthening the fire brigade. He emphasized that the challenges faced by the brigade are escalating due to a variety of factors, including technological advancements, urban expansion, and more frequent technological disasters exacerbated by the climate crisis.
Hartsiotis pointed out that the government is prioritizing fire safety, not only by increasing personnel but also by enhancing logistical support and equipment. He praised the fire brigade’s daily efforts, which have earned public recognition and support. With summer approaching, he stressed the importance of operational planning and preventative measures.
The minister also called upon the firefighters to maintain the highest level of operational readiness to meet contemporary demands. He expressed his hope that human error, often a leading cause of fires, would not be a significant factor this year.
The urgency of reinforcing the fire brigade is underscored by their recent activity, with a reported 43 incidents handled in just 24 hours. According to fire brigade spokesman Andreas Kettis, who shared the information via Twitter, 25 of those incidents were fires.
As the fire brigade prepares to welcome its new members, there is a collective sense of determination to face the heightened challenges ahead with renewed strength and resources.
