By Dimitra Georgiou
Residents of Ayia Anna and Kalo Chorio remain visibly frustrated following the recent fires in the area.
On July 27, a fire broke out after an exercise at the Kalo Chorio firing range and spread beyond the site, putting nearby homes at risk. Further concern was caused by the discovery of two military projectiles in the area on Thursday.
Comments made by Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas on state radio Friday morning have added to residents’ anger. Palmas said that although the communities continue to demand the firing range’s removal, relocating it is not possible.
Referring to the military ammunition found in the area, he said the public’s concern was understandable. However, he described the reaction as excessive, arguing that such discoveries are not unusual because of the presence of the firing range.
The comments are expected to be discussed at a meeting of the Tremithos Potamos Community Services Council, which represents Ayia Anna, Kalo Chorio, Mosfiloti, Pyrga, and Psevdas. The communities will consider their next steps.
Speaking to Kathimerini, council president Stavroulla Vasileiou said the latest fire was not caused by activity at the firing range. However, she said the discovery of military projectiles in the area was a frequent and worrying occurrence.
She said such incidents only strengthen the communities’ position that “the firing range poses risks and must be moved immediately.”
According to Vasileiou, the communities have not yet received any information about the findings of the investigation into the major July 27 fire.
Asked whether compensation had begun, she said officials from the Agriculture Ministry, the National Guard, and the district administration had recorded the damage and were now expected to assess it. No compensation has been paid so far.
“We received promises from MPs that the matter would be raised in Parliament,” she said. “Perhaps they are waiting for our meeting with the Defence Ministry.”
That meeting is expected to shape the communities’ next steps. Vasileiou said they had no alternative proposal to put forward.
“The aim is for the communities to hear what the Defence Ministry and the government are proposing for the firing range,” she said. “Our demand remains unchanged.”
Defense Ministry spokesperson Sofianos Filippides told the Cyprus News Agency that firebreaks in the area were being widened and plans were being prepared for round-the-clock monitoring.
A study is also under way into the installation of permanent cameras to monitor the area.
What happened
A major fire broke out inside the Kalo Chorio firing range in Larnaca on July 27, 2026, following the destruction of six RPG rounds.
The blaze burned more than 120 hectares, mainly covered by low vegetation. Strong winds pushed the flames towards Ayia Anna, while residents of Psevdas received a precautionary evacuation alert.
The fire was brought under control at 7:30 p.m. the same day.
Another fire broke out at the firing range near Ayia Anna on Wednesday, August 26. It was not caused by National Guard activity, but it again brought the communities’ long-standing concerns to the surface.
Two military projectiles were found during the firefighting operation. One was safely destroyed on the morning of Thursday, August 27.
