Consultants Ask WiRE have carried out a new study to identify the most vulnerable areas in Larnaca.
The authority's experts analysed the distribution of properties in different parts of the city.
The analysis, which covered an area of 1,120.10 km2, showed that in general there is a relatively low risk of fire within the municipality of Larnaca. Specifically, according to Ask WiRE:
- 45% of the area of Larnaca municipality contains low fire risk areas;
- 33% of Larnaca municipality includes areas of medium fire risk; 33% includes areas of medium fire risk;
- 13% are high fire risk areas;
- 9% are areas of very high fire risk;
Based on the analysis, the high and very high risk areas are mainly located in the western part of the city, characterised by uplands and forested areas.
These areas include the villages of Odu, Agia Vavatsinias, Melini and Vavatsinia. In 2021, these areas were severely affected by deadly fires that killed four people and caused significant environmental damage, destroying homes and crops. In contrast, the southern part of the municipality, including Larnaca airport and the city centre, is considered a low risk area," the company said.
Ask WiRE also noted that there are a total of 54,102 buildings, mostly residential, within the municipal boundaries of Larnaca. The majority of these (79 per cent) are located in low risk areas. The data also shows that 80 per cent of buildings in Larnaca, regardless of type, are one or two storeys high.
While no building can be completely protected from the risk of fire, one or two storey structures can have certain advantages in terms of evacuation, control of fire spread, access for firefighters and structural stability," Ask WiRE stressed.
For his part, Ask WiRE CEO Pavlos Loizou said that "the results of the analysis are important for property buyers". He noted that the data also provides insurance companies with a complete picture of the risks.
Our research allows for a more accurate assessment of potential damage depending on the location of the property and also provides insight into possible risks," Loizou concluded.