Police have acknowledged significant gaps in specialist fire investigation expertise amongst their officers, following a review of the deadly Limassol fire response that exposed multiple operational failures.
Deputy Police Chief Panikos Stavrou told parliament that investigators lack specialised knowledge required for proper fire investigation procedures. The admission came as authorities detailed numerous errors and deficiencies identified during the fatal blaze response.
Police have not confirmed arson suspicions in the Limassol fire case. Stavrou said officers have processed 13 pieces of information related to the wildfire, which were studied, evaluated and investigated without securing relevant testimony against any individual.
The force is investigating other complaints relating to additional fires across Cyprus. Regarding potential asymmetric threats, Stavrou stated that at least at present, no concrete evidence exists.
Emergency response failures
The deputy chief outlined specific operational failures during the emergency response, including unauthorised personnel entering the Mobile Command Station without justified presence.
The presence of unauthorised persons at the station complicates the work of responsible personnel, Stavrou said.
Key deficiencies identified include inadequate media management protocols. Journalists should be positioned away from coordination centres and command stations under police or fire service supervision, authorities determined.
Internet service disruption emerged as a critical issue after fire damage to various provider antennas. Police recommend permanent satellite internet server installation at the Mobile Command Station for emergency availability.
Medical and social service gaps
No ambulances were present at the fire scene despite numerous emergency calls for first aid and medical care received at the Limassol Crisis Management Centre. Ambulance presence at fire scenes or crisis management centres is deemed essential, officials concluded.
Social welfare service contact information was unavailable when citizens required emergency accommodation and telephoned Limassol police. Representatives from HOPE FOR CHILDREN assisted at the Crisis Management Centre but should operate from separate spaces for improved citizen communication, police determined.
Training requirements
The review highlighted the urgent need for joint training programmes between police and fire service personnel involved in fire investigations. Current investigators lack sufficient specialised knowledge for effective fire scene examination, Stavrou acknowledged.
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