Kalo Chorio, Cyprus. Communities affected by the wildfire sparked at the Kalo Chorio firing range have unanimously renewed calls for the facility to be relocated. The defence ministry has also pledged to cover all damage caused by the fire.
Meeting backs relocation demand
The demand emerged during a meeting on Tuesday evening attended by representatives of affected and surrounding communities, MPs from Larnaca and Famagusta, and the vice-president of the Larnaca district local government organisation (EOA).
Ayia Anna community leader Anastasis Georgiou said the meeting ended with unanimous support for relocating the firing range, describing it as the principal demand of nearby communities.
“We will be happy if the firing range closes,” he said. “It is the request of all the communities that the firing range be moved.”
Damage coverage and safety measures
Georgiou said the defence ministry would cover all damage caused by the wildfire, a commitment confirmed by ministry sources.
He added that the ministry outlined additional safety measures for the site while a decision on its future remains pending. These include creating firebreaks, installing surveillance cameras and ensuring firefighting resources are present.
Committees led by the defence ministry and involving all relevant authorities are to be established to assess the aftermath.
Investigation completed
Georgiou said the future of the firing range ultimately depends on a political decision and said a peaceful demonstration could be held if necessary to demand its relocation.
The renewed calls followed the defence ministry’s announcement on Wednesday that its investigation into the wildfire had been completed and its report submitted to National Guard commander Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou.