Wildfire contained near Kalo Chorio after national guard training

A significant wildfire broke out at 12:40 on Monday within the Kalo Chorio firing range in the Larnaca district, forcing the emergency evacuation of the villages of Agia Anna and Psevdas. The fire, which burned approximately 20 hectares, was brought under control by 18:40 following a massive coordinated response under the 'Ikaros II' national plan. This operation involved 11 aircraft, including six airplanes and five helicopters, along with hundreds of personnel from the Department of Forests, Fire Service, Civil Defence, and National Guard. One volunteer firefighter sustained injuries after a fall and was hospitalized.

While the fire reached the exterior of at least one property, officials confirmed that no homes were destroyed. Authorities are currently investigating the exact cause of the blaze, which occurred during National Guard live-fire training exercises. Residents reported frustration over a lack of mobile phone alerts, forcing some to use church bells for warnings, though a CY-Alert was eventually issued after containment. Firefighting forces are expected to remain on-site throughout the night to monitor for potential flare-ups and secure the perimeter.