Cyprus wildfire incidents under investigation

On July 27, 2026, a significant wildfire broke out at the Kalo Chorio firing range near Larnaca at 12:40pm during a National Guard training exercise. The fire consumed approximately 120 hectares of scrubland, forcing the evacuation of the villages of Agia Anna and Psevdas. Over 200 personnel from the Forestry Department, Fire Service, Civil Defence, and other agencies, supported by 11 aircraft, successfully contained the blaze by 7:30pm. While the exact cause remains under investigation, the Cyprus Army Officers Association has noted that the activity was a scheduled training exercise conducted under established safety protocols.

Following the Kalo Chorio incident, several other fires occurred across Cyprus, including a blaze at a landfill in Mathiatis and multiple reports of suspected arson in the Dalis region. Most recently, on July 29, a wildfire broke out in the Choletria area of Paphos around 1:00pm. Firefighting forces, supported by aerial units, managed to bring this fire under control, protecting nearby residences and limiting damage to about two hectares of vegetation. Authorities continue to monitor all affected areas for potential flare-ups, as seasonal winds continue to pose a risk of fire spread.