Large wildfire triggered by National Guard exercises sparks outrage in Agia Anna

A significant wildfire broke out on Monday, July 27, 2026, in the area of Kalo Chorio, Larnaca district, after the National Guard conducted live-fire training exercises. Anastasis Georgiou, the community leader of Agia Anna, sharply criticized President Nikos Christodoulides and Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas, calling the decision to hold drills during extreme heat unacceptable. He went as far as demanding the arrest of the Defence Minister, noting that residents had previously requested a ban on such exercises during the summer season.

The fire, which started around 12:40, threatened local homes and forced the evacuation of approximately ten elderly residents to Mosfiloti and Psevdas. Because the official CY Alert notification system was delayed until approximately 17:20, community members took the initiative to ring the village church bell to warn neighbors. Many residents reported never receiving the mobile alerts, potentially endangering lives. While National Guard sources confirmed that training was underway at the site, they did not formally confirm the fire's cause. As of the latest reports, the fire has been brought under control, and authorities are managing the aftermath of the incident.