Nicosia: A fire that started at the Kalo Chorio Shooting Range was brought under full control at 19:30 local time on Monday, having burned 120 hectares of wild vegetation, the Forestry Department announced.
According to Cyprus News Agency, a massive operation involved 100 firefighters from the Forestry Department with 11 fire trucks, three tankers, and two bulldozers, along with 40 firefighters from the Fire Department with nine fire trucks. Additionally, a strong police force, 10 people from the District Administration with two water tankers and two bulldozers, 12 National Guard personnel with two bulldozers, 50 officers from the Civil Defense, 11 officers from the Wildlife Service, and six people from the Ambulance Service participated in the operation. Volunteer groups and local residents also assisted in extinguishing the flames.
A crisis management center was established in the area for better coordination. The government services implemented the Ikaros National Plan, deploying six firefighting planes and five helicopters. Strong firefighting forces will remain in the area throughout the night for security purposes.
Director of the Forestry Department, Savvas Iezekiel, described the firefighting efforts as "superhuman" due to the challenging conditions. Fire Service Spokesperson Andreas Kettis stated that the operation was extremely difficult due to strong winds, the terrain, and the vegetation. The primary goal was to protect the communities of Psevdas and Agia Anna.
Kettis noted that the Fire Service remains cautious when operating within the Kalo Chorio firing range, referencing past incidents where firefighters' lives were at risk. The Ministry of Defense will investigate the incident.
In Nicosia, Minister of Defense Vassilis Palmas criticized the unprofessional behavior during the destruction of RPG missiles at the firing range. He indicated that certain individuals bear responsibility for the incident, attributing the fire outbreak to the 70th Engineer Battalion. An investigation has been ordered to determine the exact circumstances of the incident.