Members of the US Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) unit, summoned by the President of the Republic, Nikos Christodoulides, to assist in the investigation and assessment of the management of the recent devastating fires in the mountainous area of Limassol, are expected to arrive in Cyprus on Wednesday evening and will begin work on Thursday, Deputy Government Spokesperson, Yiannis Antoniou, has told CNA.
Among other things, Antoniou said, they will conduct an autopsy at the site of the fire, focusing on the point where the first smoke was reported. He added that they are expected to remain in Cyprus for ten days and, upon completion of their investigations, they will present an initial report on their findings, followed by a written report to be submitted to the President of the Republic.
The US ATF unit is considered one of the most specialized and experienced fire/arson investigation teams in the world.
It is a federal agency within the United States Department of Justice, established in 1972, responsible for enforcing laws relating to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, explosives, and arson, playing a critical role in regulating and investigating activities involving these products to protect public safety, combating violent crime and enforcing federal laws governing their manufacture, distribution, and possession.
The ten-member team coming to Cyprus is exclusively dedicated to arson investigations. The ATF investigates incidents of arson, explosive devices, and fire-related crimes to determine their causes, origins, and circumstances. ATF special agents and forensic scientists analyze fire scenes, collect evidence, and assist law enforcement agencies in identifying arson suspects, prosecuting arson cases, and preventing arson-related incidents.
Other responsibilities of the ATF include the regulation of the explosives industry and monitoring the manufacture, storage, transportation, and use of explosives and explosive materials to prevent accidents, misuse, and terrorist threats, enforcing federal laws and regulations on explosives, conducting inspections of explosive facilities, and investigating incidents and violations related to explosives.
