Wildfire caused by National Guard live-fire exercises in Kalo Chorio
A significant wildfire erupted on July 27, 2026, in the Kalo Chorio region of Larnaca, after a National Guard unit conducted live-fire training, specifically the destruction of rockets. The fire scorched approximately 120 hectares of vegetation, including pines and crops, threatening nearby residential areas in Agia Anna. While local authorities were informed about the exercise in advance, the community leader, Anastasis Georgiou, criticized the military and the government for conducting such dangerous activities during high-temperature conditions and failing to maintain firebreaks in the area.
The emergency response was heavily criticized due to a two-hour technical failure of the Cy-Alert system, which resulted in significant delays in notifying residents of evacuation orders. Local villagers had to rely on traditional methods, such as ringing church bells, to warn others of the approaching fire. Civil Defence officials have since admitted the technical malfunction, promising a full investigation alongside the contractor responsible for the system. Residents are now demanding the immediate relocation of the shooting range to prevent future environmental destruction and threats to human life.