MPs call for new sites for Kalo Chorio firing range after July wildfire

Larnaca, Cyprus. MPs on the House defence committee demanded on Thursday that the government identify new sites for the Kalo Chorio firing range in Larnaca, citing risks to nearby homes and a July wildfire that forced villagers to flee.

Calls for planning and protection zones

Committee chairman and Elam MP Evgenios Chamboulas said the state had failed to plan where military facilities should be located.

He called on the defence and interior ministries to agree on a joint approach covering locations and safety rules, saying a protection zone around military camps was essential.

Chamboulas said it was inconceivable that no such zone existed. He said homes had been built next to camps and firing ranges under pressure, followed by demands for the military facilities to be removed.

He acknowledged that neighbouring communities’ concerns were understandable and called for a detailed examination and a comprehensive resolution.

July fire forced village evacuations

A fire broke out at the Kalo Chorio firing range on July 27 during a munition destruction operation carried out by the National Guard. It subsequently spread to Ayia Anna and Psevdas, forcing the evacuation of both villages.

About 350 residents of Ayia Anna were taken to a temporary shelter, and around 1.2 square kilometres were burned.

Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas blamed the 70th Engineer Battalion and said heavy weapons explosions were strictly prohibited in summer.

Residents’ concerns raised with committee

Disy MP Prodromos Alampritis said residents had experienced “unprecedented moments” and asked the ministry to study whether the range could be relocated.

He said communities were evacuated and property was put at risk after the exercise. The anxiety of residents and community leaders had been conveyed to the committee, he added.