Newsroom
A wildfire broke out at the Kalo Chorio shooting range in the Larnaca district on Monday after a National Guard live-fire exercise, prompting a major response from firefighters, forestry crews and aerial firefighting aircraft.
The blaze started inside the military firing range but quickly spread beyond its boundaries, raising concerns as Cyprus remains in the grip of extreme summer heat and heightened wildfire risk.
Fire service spokesperson Andreas Kettis said three fire engines from Larnaca Fire Station were initially dispatched after the fire broke out following the shooting exercise.
As the flames spread, additional firefighting crews were called in, with the Forestry Department also reinforcing efforts on the ground.
Three firefighting aircraft were deployed to drop water around the fire's perimeter in an effort to contain the blaze before it could spread further.
Kettis later said operational responsibility for the fire had been transferred to the Forestry Department.
The incident comes at a time when Cyprus is facing dry conditions and soaring temperatures that allow fires to spread rapidly. Forecasters are expecting another spell of intense heat later this week and into next week, keeping fire risk high across much of the island.
Authorities have repeatedly urged the public to avoid activities that could spark fires and to report any signs of smoke or flames immediately.
There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage to nearby communities, and efforts to bring the fire under control are continuing.
