Nicosia, Cyprus. An investigation into the destruction of ammunition at the Kalo Chorio firing range is examining whether the commander of the 70th Engineer Battalion acted on instructions from the National Guard general staff before a wildfire spread to nearby communities.
The fire broke out on Monday during the destruction of military explosives and forced the evacuation of Ayia Anna and Psevdas.
Investigation
The inquiry, led by Brigadier General Savvas Stefanos, is examining who authorised the operation and why it was carried out during extreme heat, according to Politis.
The same report said the ammunition destruction was conducted in the presence of foreign experts and that the battalion commander had received orders from the National Guard general staff rather than acting independently.
The investigation is also examining the circumstances that led to the blaze spreading beyond the firing range. Its findings are expected to be submitted to Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas by next Wednesday.
Community concerns
Ayia Anna community leader Anastasis Georgiou said residents had been informed three days in advance that ammunition would be destroyed at the range.
“This is the third fire that has broken out in the community of Ayia Anna in recent times,” he said.
“Every year at this time, when the explosions start at the firing range, we wait for the fire to come.”
Firing range relocation
The Defence Ministry has previously acknowledged that neighbouring communities have requested the relocation of the firing range for years.
Ministerial spokesman Sofianos Philippides told Politis that the matter had been raised repeatedly, but said it was not the appropriate time to decide whether the range should continue operating.
