Investigation report submitted following Kalo Chorio wildfire

On July 27, 2026, a wildfire broke out at the Kalo Chorio firing range in the Larnaca district during a National Guard training exercise involving the 70th Engineer Battalion and three U.S. military personnel. The fire, which occurred during a scheduled munition destruction exercise, spread to nearby areas, threatening the communities of Agia Anna and Psevda. While some sources describe the event as a tragic accident, others emphasize that it violated protocols prohibiting munition destruction during the summer season, leading to significant political fallout and calls for the resignation of senior officials.

Brigadier Savvas Stefanou, appointed to lead the inquiry, submitted his final report to the Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou, on August 5. The report, which includes numerous witness testimonies, examines potential disciplinary and criminal responsibilities among senior officers for authorizing the activity despite high temperatures. Meanwhile, a separate criminal investigation by the police is ongoing. Representatives from affected communities have formally requested the permanent relocation of the firing range, while the Ministry of Defence has pledged to cover all damages caused by the blaze and implement enhanced fire safety measures.