RAF deploys to support wildfire fight in Cyprus

A Royal Air Force (RAF) crew from 84 Squadron based out of RAF Akrotiri assisted the Cypriot Government in controlling a large wildfire northwest of Yermasoyia, Limassol district, at the beginning of August. The fire burned over one square kilometre of wild vegetation and was close to residential houses for a number of hours. Involved with tackling the blaze, which included the RAF Griffin helicopter from 84 Squadron, were several other aircraft from numerous agencies as well as assets on the ground from the Forrest Department, Cypriot Police and DFRMO Cyprus (Fire & Rescue Service of British Bases in Cyprus). The Griffin HAR2 is equipped with night-vision goggles and a FLIR/ TV turret, which affords its crews a relevant night capability. Owing to the hot, arid climate of its Cyprus base, the HAR2 regularly employs its crucial fire fighting capability across the region. Other capabilities include search and rescue.

Credit: RAF