Wildfire spreads from Kalo Chorio shooting range in Larnaca

A significant wildfire broke out at approximately 12:40 on July 27, 2026, at the National Guard firing range in Kalo Chorio, Larnaca. The fire started during explosives disposal procedures or live-fire exercises, subsequently spreading beyond the range boundaries due to strong winds. Authorities activated the 'Ikaros' emergency plan, deploying substantial ground forces from the Fire Service and Department of Forests, along with four aerial assets.

As the blaze intensified and approached residential areas, emergency services ordered the precautionary evacuation of the villages of Agia Anna and Psevdas. Roughly 350 residents from Agia Anna were relocated to a shelter in Mosfiloti. While initial reports from the community leader suggested houses had burned, the Department of Forests later clarified that no homes were destroyed, though flames reached the exteriors of some properties. One volunteer firefighter sustained leg injuries after falling from a height and was hospitalized.

Operational control is currently handled by the Department of Forests, which reported that firefighting crews have surrounded the fire. Officials remain on high alert due to the risk of unexploded ordnance within the range and challenging wind conditions that continue to cause flare-ups.