Community leaders and residents living near the Kalo Chorio firing range in Larnaca have expressed their frustration following Monday’s major wildfire, which required almost six hours of firefighting efforts.
The blaze broke out at the firing range after the destruction of six RPG rounds, according to reports.
Agia Anna community leader Anastasis Georgiou spoke to state broadcaster CyBC, expressing the anger of local residents over the incident and its impact on surrounding communities.
Calls for relocation of firing range
Georgiou said the situation has become a recurring issue, claiming that similar incidents happen every year.
He said that, together with the surrounding communities in the area, a renewed request will be submitted for the relocation of the firing range.
“We will insist,” he said.
Regarding whether he had been informed about the ammunition destruction, Georgiou said that a telephone notification was made to his office on Thursday.
Concerns over lack of preventive measures
However, he said that firefighting forces were not stationed in the area as a precaution before the incident.
“They let it happen so they do not have problems with their exercises. It is certain that they let it happen; every year we have the same problem,” Georgiou said.
Firefighting authorities remain on alert in the area following the wildfire, with crews continuing monitoring efforts to prevent possible flare-ups.
Also read: Forestry Department advises National Guard to suspend live-fire exercises
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