Forest fire in Agia Anna leads to discovery of unexploded ordnance
On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, a wildfire broke out near the Achnarka forest in the community of Agia Anna, Larnaca province. The blaze, detected by a forest lookout at 2:58 p.m., burned approximately six hectares of reeds and wild vegetation. Authorities mobilized 33 forestry personnel, nine firefighters, and five aircraft, successfully containing the fire in the Arkaki riverbed by 5:30 p.m. No injuries were reported.
During the firefighting efforts, officials discovered two unexploded 80mm-81mm mortar shells in the vicinity, believed to be linked to the nearby Kalo Chorio firing range. The area was cordoned off and guarded by police and the National Guard overnight. On the morning of August 27, military pyrotechnicians successfully conducted a controlled explosion to neutralize the ordnance. Separately, in an unrelated incident, police confirmed an arson attack caused a fire at a souvlaki restaurant in Chloraka, Paphos, which caused significant damage but resulted in no injuries.