Fire erupts at Kalo Chorio shooting range during ammunition disposal

A significant wildfire broke out at the Kalo Chorio shooting range on August 2, 2026, during a scheduled operation to dispose of ammunition. The blaze, which occurred during extreme heatwave conditions, burned approximately 120 hectares of land, forcing local evacuations and requiring a massive mobilization of ground and air firefighting forces. The situation was exacerbated by ongoing explosions at the site, which made the fire containment process difficult, while local residents criticized the authorities for delays or the absence of timely alerts via the national CY-Alert system.

Minister of Defense Vasilis Palmas publicly condemned the decision to conduct ammunition disposal during a period of extreme temperatures, labeling it unprofessional and declaring that those responsible will be held accountable. An official investigator has been appointed to determine the full scope of the incident. The disaster has prompted broader public concerns regarding the operational protocols of the National Guard and the effectiveness of democratic oversight in military activities, with authorities promising to identify specific personnel responsible for the error.