Kalo Chorio, Cyprus. Firefighters were due to remain overnight on Monday and into the early hours of Tuesday near the military firing range close to Kalo Chorio in the Larnaca district to address possible flare-ups, Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos said.
The fire prompted the evacuation of Ayia Anna and Psevdas, while one minor civilian injury was recorded.
Emergency response
Longinos said the fire brigade arrived at the scene within seven minutes of being notified at 12.27pm. Aircraft operating in the area were also immediately informed.
Civil Defence was called to assist with the evacuations, and alerts were issued through the CYAlert system. Ayia Anna mukhtar Anastasis Georgiou had earlier said villagers did not receive the emergency warning until 5.20pm.
Fire conditions
Longinos said firefighting operations were difficult because of strong winds and the terrain.
He said it was clear the fire began at the firing range, but declined to comment further, referring to statements already made by the defence minister.
Once the fire reached the perimeter of the firing range, wind speeds increased, he said. Combined with nearby vegetation, the conditions made it easy for a fire to start and spread.
Aerial operations and investigation
Helicopters were deployed in difficult areas, while aircraft dropped retardant ahead of the fire to prevent it from moving uncontrollably towards populated areas, Longinos said.
He urged the public to exercise extreme caution, warning that a spark could cause major damage and that high temperatures and strong winds could make the coming days particularly difficult.
Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas said he had ordered an investigation to determine the exact circumstances in which the incident developed.
