The Cypriot unit of the Department of Forests, which arrived earlier on Friday in Greece with two firefighting aircraft to assist authorities in tackling wildfires there, is operating in Oenoe, Boeotia.

A Spokesperson for the Department, George Constantinou, told CNA, that the two planes from Cyprus operate in a formation of four planes, including a plane from Greece and another one from Israel.

Earlier today the Cypriot unit was briefed by the Greek authorities near Tatoi, Attica.

According to Constantinou, the planes sent to Greece from Cyprus were stationed in Paphos airport.

Cyprus sent two Air Tractor type aircraft, with a crew of four, and seven more staff for ground support, following a decision by President of the Republic Nikos Christodoulides. The assistance to Greece is provided through the Civil Protection Mechanism of the European Union.

Source: Cyprus News Agency