National Guard blamed for wildfire at Kalo Chorio firing range

A major wildfire broke out on July 27, 2026, at the Kalo Chorio military firing range in the Larnaca district, triggered by the destruction of RPG ammunition by the 70th Engineer Battalion. The incident occurred during extreme heatwave conditions, with temperatures near 40 degrees Celsius and a high fire risk, despite standing orders prohibiting heavy weapons explosions during the summer months. The blaze forced the emergency evacuation of residents in the villages of Ayia Anna and Psevda, caused a minor injury to a volunteer, and consumed large tracts of forest and brush.

Defense Minister Vasilis Palmas has expressed severe dissatisfaction with the military unit, labeling the operation as unprofessional and announcing an official, swift investigation to be completed within 10 days. The probe will examine the chain of command and why specific safety circulars were ignored. While there is no longer an active front, firefighting forces remained on-site to monitor for flare-ups. Residents and local leaders have renewed demands for the relocation of the firing range, citing the annual nature of these fire risks and concerns over late emergency alerts.