National Guard apologizes after wildfire sparks controversy at Kalo Chorio range

A significant wildfire erupted on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Kalo Chorio firing range in Larnaca, Cyprus, following a planned ammunition destruction exercise. The blaze forced the evacuation of the Agia Anna and Psevda communities and damaged approximately 120 hectares of land. The incident has caused public outcry, with local leaders demanding the permanent closure of the firing range, citing safety risks from past incidents involving stray projectiles.

Investigations led by Brigadier Savvas Stefanou are underway to determine why the operation proceeded during high temperatures, violating standing regulations that prohibit such activities during summer months and extreme heat. Reports indicate the operation was a joint training exercise involving National Guard engineers and American military personnel. During the emergency, the 'CY ALERT' warning system failed to function effectively due to technical errors, forcing Civil Defence to rely on manual communication methods.

National Guard Chief Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou has officially apologized for the incident, assuming responsibility on behalf of the institution. While the Ministry of Defence maintains it does not oversee individual operational decisions, a thorough administrative investigation is ongoing to establish criminal or disciplinary accountability. A meeting between the Minister of Defence, Vasilis Palmas, and local community leaders is set to address the residents' concerns and discuss future preventative measures.