The Chief of the National Guard, Lieutenant General Emmanuel Theodorou, has issued an “honest apology” to residents of communities affected by the major fire in Kalo Chorio, accepting responsibility on behalf of the National Guard and promising immediate measures to prevent a similar incident.
Speaking publicly, Theodorou said that much had been said and written about the incident in recent days and that he considered it necessary to address the issue.
Responsibility lies with National Guard
The National Guard Chief said he wanted to apologise sincerely to residents who were placed in a difficult situation, adding that measures had already been discussed with community representatives to help prevent a repeat of the incident.
Responding to criticism directed at the Defence Ministry, Theodorou clarified that the ministry is “neither institutionally nor practically” in a position to know the operational activities of the National Guard.
He stressed that the armed forces carry out numerous and highly dangerous activities, adding that responsibility for the incident rests solely with the National Guard.
Investigation examining cause of fire
Regarding the circumstances that led to the blaze, Theodorou said the incident occurred during a planned training exercise involving personnel specialising in explosive ordnance disposal.
The exercise was carried out in cooperation with an allied country and had been scheduled well in advance. He said local communities had been informed about the activity.
However, he added that the ongoing investigation will determine whether the exercise should have taken place on that particular day and what exactly went wrong at the firing range that led to the fire.
Training remains necessary
Theodorou stressed that the National Guard must maintain its operational readiness and that necessary training exercises and firing activities cannot be halted.
He said such activities are essential for military preparedness and for training new soldiers, while adding that he accepts responsibility during both difficult and easier periods.
New safety measures announced
The National Guard Chief announced that existing orders governing firing exercises and the limits within which they can take place in specific areas will be reviewed.
He also said the National Guard will take responsibility for maintaining and clearing firebreak zones around the firing range.
In addition, authorities are examining the installation of a permanent monitoring system, either through personnel presence or cameras.
Further immediate measures are also being discussed, while Theodorou pledged that local authorities will receive detailed and timely information about future activities at the firing range.
“Every lesson can become a warning”
Asked whether the new measures could have been introduced earlier, Theodorou said the National Guard carries out many demanding and dangerous activities.
He added that “every lesson learned can become a warning”, allowing procedures to be strengthened and reducing the possibility of similar incidents occurring in the future.
Theodorou concluded by repeating his apology to residents of the affected communities and assured them that the National Guard will do everything possible to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
Also read: Forestry Department advises National Guard to suspend live-fire exercises
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