Nicosia: The community of Agia Anna awoke to devastation on Tuesday, with a major wildfire having scorched about 120 hectares, threatening homes and prompting a large-scale emergency operation in the Larnaca district. Firefighting crews were vigilant throughout the night, tackling minor flare-ups, while aerial patrols continued over the affected zone. Authorities remained on high alert as strong winds were anticipated later in the day.
According to Cyprus News Agency, the fire originated at 12:40 p.m. on Monday at the Kalo Chorio firing range during an explosives disposal operation. Strong winds rapidly propelled the flames towards Agia Anna, triggering the activation of the national Ikaros II emergency plan. Coordination centres were established in Agia Anna and the Zenon crisis management centre to manage the situation effectively.
The operation involved over 220 personnel, including firefighters, forestry staff, Civil Defence members, National Guard personnel, police, volunteers, and residents. Six firefighting aircraft and five helicopters conducted repeated drops, while ground crews worked with fire engines, water tankers, and tracked vehicles to contain the blaze. The fire was brought under control shortly after 6:30 p.m. and declared fully contained by 7:30 p.m. Fortunately, no lives were lost, and no homes were destroyed.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, and an administrative inquiry has been ordered to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident at the firing range. The event has intensified concerns regarding military activities during the fire season and the adequacy of firebreaks and public warning systems.
The leaders of the affected communities have expressed their perspectives on the incident. Agia Anna community leader Anastasis Georgiou criticized the Defence Ministry for the fire's spread, citing a lack of maintenance of firebreaks despite prior warnings. Georgiou also plans to discuss the relocation of the firing range with other community councils and seeks accountability for those responsible for the activities at the range under such conditions.
Psevdas community leader Giorgos Filippou credited a fortuitous shift in wind direction for saving nearby villages from more extensive damage. He noted that Agia Anna and Psevdas are closely linked, with residents from both communities owning property in the affected area. Kalo Chorio community leader Flourentzos Theodorou reported that his village was not threatened, as the fire moved away from it.
Efforts to evacuate residents were coordinated under the Polyvios emergency plan. Civil Defence spokesperson Panayiotis Liasides acknowledged a technical glitch that delayed the CY-Alert warning message by two hours, an issue currently under investigation. Nevertheless, the Civil Defence activated their operations team and district offices, with 42 members and volunteers assisting in evacuations and organizing a temporary reception centre.
The incident has highlighted the importance of effective emergency response systems and the need for timely maintenance of firebreaks to prevent similar occurrences in the future.