Cyprus authorities have explained why inflatable water tanks, designed for helicopter water pickup during wildfire operations, were not used in recent fires. The tanks, which have been available to the volunteer group SupportCY for a year and tested in exercises, were not deployed in the July 27 fire at the Kalo Chorio firing range.
Justice Minister Kostas Fytiris responded to a parliamentary question from MP Eirini Charalambidou on September 10, 2026. The question cited the fire’s proximity to the sea and the need for rapid helicopter refueling. Fytiris said the tanks were received by the Fire Service on July 30, three days after the incident, and that operational decisions were based on safety and tactical considerations.
According to the minister, the risk of the fire spreading to the communities of Agia Anna and Psevdas prevented the deployment of the tanks. He added that the water supplied by ground vehicles and support boats was sufficient for on‑ground firefighting and that the tanks were not needed for helicopter refueling at that time.
Fytiris also noted that the Fire Service is still completing training for personnel on the use of inflatable tanks. The training covers tank deployment, operation, and standard operating procedures for helicopter water pickup, as well as the International Code of Hand Signals for aircraft and the European SERA regulations. The training is expected to finish shortly.
The minister further explained that inflatable tanks will only be positioned at pre‑determined sites in cooperation with the National Guard’s Air‑Firefighting Unit. Site selection considers safety, proximity to water sources, and operational necessity. Deployment will occur only after evaluating each fire’s dynamics and duration.
In the Kalo Chorio incident, the Fire Service relied on water from the Diptamou waterway and nearby Lefkaron waterway, as well as the sea, to refuel ground units and helicopters. The proximity of these water sources allowed for timely refueling and rapid return of aircraft to the fire front.
SupportCY’s inflatable tanks have been used extensively abroad for helicopter refueling, often positioned over water surfaces to minimize aircraft turnaround time. The Cyprus Fire Service has not yet adopted this practice, citing training and operational readiness as primary reasons.
For further details, the Fire Service and the Ministry of Justice have provided official statements and documentation outlining the criteria and procedures for using inflatable water tanks in wildfire operations.
Article source: www.politis.com.cy | Image credit: www.politis.com.cy