Case Study: Defender Kit Protects Certified Volunteers Battling Wildfires in Cyprus

When SupportCY of the Bank of Cyprus sought to enhance the safety of its growing volunteer force combating wildfires in Cyprus, they required personal protective equipment (PPE) that not only met safety standards but also provided comfort in extreme conditions.

After evaluating several options, they chose FlamePro’s Defender wildland PPE for its lightweight, breathable design and durability providing the ideal solution, ensuring SupportCY’s volunteers are protected while working in challenging wildfire environments.

The SupportCY Volunteer Unit of the Bank of Cyprus consists of highly trained volunteers specializing in firefighting and civil protection. Equipped with state-of-the-art fire trucks and advanced technology, the unit actively supports governmental agencies in Cyprus and Greece in wildfire prevention, response, and recovery efforts.

Challenge

As wildfires in Cyprus have become more frequent and severe, the need for a reliable, protective solution for SupportCY’s volunteers grew. The volunteers, who support the Fire Service and Forest Department, were exposed to intense summer heat and the hazards of fighting wildfires in rugged terrain.

“Sadly, wildfires have become a recurring problem in Cyprus, partly due to the effects of climate change.  Very hot summers leave the vegetation extremely dry and flammable.  Every three years or so we tend to face a huge devastating fire and are working hard to prevent this happening again. SupportCY’s volunteer programme is a central point of response and assistance, supporting the Fire Service and Forest Department in preventing and containing this growing problem.” – Marios Stavrou, SupportCY Head of Operations at the Bank of Cyprus

“As our team of volunteers has grown considerably, and our operations have become more dangerous and complex, it soon became clear that we needed protective clothing to keep us comfortable and safe.” –  Marios Spyrou, Criminal Defence Lawyer at Elias A. Stephanou LLC and SupportCY volunteer.

The challenge was to find lightweight, breathable protective clothing that could keep volunteers cool and safe in extreme temperatures of up to 40°C, while not effecting movement or causing heat stress, which had been a recurring issue.

Additionally, the clothing needed to distinguish volunteers from professional firefighters while still offering suitable protection for wildland firefighting conditions.

“We started looking for a uniform that would offer suitable protection for our role, whilst looking recognisable as a volunteer force and distinct from the fire service. The biggest threat to our volunteers undertaking this kind of work is heat stress. Summer heat in Cyprus can be intense, with firefighters often working in temperatures of around 40 degrees.” – Marios Spyrou

Solution

After extensive research, SupportCY selected our Defender wildland PPE as the ideal solution for their volunteers. The Defender PPE met all requirements, offering:

• Breathability and lightweight design preventing heat stress by allowing sweat to escape and keeping the body cool in extreme conditions.
• Strong materials that ensure long-lasting wear and comfort, even in the most demanding environments.
• Reflective strips for visibility in low-light conditions, crucial for volunteer safety during night operations.
• Thumb straps on the jacket to keep it securely in place while wearing gloves, ensuring ease of movement.

Our adherence to EN standards for firefighting gear gave SupportCY confidence that the PPE would provide the necessary protection for their team.

Results

“The Defender is very light and easy to work in. I decided to test it by going for a run in the mountains during the heat of the day to see just how breathable it would be, and I was impressed!” – Marios Spyrou

SupportCY has seen a marked improvement in volunteer safety and comfort during wildfire response operations with the use of their Defender kit.

• Reduced heat stress – Volunteers are now able to work more effectively in high temperatures without suffering from heat stress symptoms.
• Increased efficiency – The lightweight design allows volunteers to move more freely, making them more effective in the challenging environments.
• Enhanced visibility and safety – Reflective strips improve visibility, especially in low-light conditions, ensuring that volunteers are easily seen by other responders.
• Confidence in protection – The Defender’s proven durability and comfort have made it a trusted choice for the team, allowing volunteers to focus on their critical work without worrying about inadequate protection.

“The material feels comfortable and strong and is well made, and the illuminated strips stand out very well in the darkness, helping to keep the team visible. I also particularly like the thumb straps on the jacket to hold the jacket in place as gloves go on.

The team are really pleased with the uniform too. We’ve received positive comments from the public, and we are being taken more seriously in our role. We’re now

clearly recognisable when undertaking operations and have gained more support from the media and the public as a result.” – Marios Spyrou