Church bells rang in Psevdas just before 5pm, residents told philenews, in the manner they were called to evacuate the village. Most residents, however, are remaining in their homes, as the fire is still some distance from the village centre. Some residents told philenews they intend to stay, saying they don’t believe they’re in danger.
They also voiced anger over reports that the fire started at the Kalo Chorio firing range, questioning why training was taking place during a period of high fire risk.
According to philenews information, a volunteer firefighter has been injured after falling from a height while fighting the fire. He was hurt in the legs and taken to hospital by ambulance.
Agia Anna, a village of around 400 residents, was evacuated earlier as the fire grew, with instructions given to significantly reinforce firefighting forces in the area. Footage captured by philenews from the area showed the fire reaching the exterior of a house, with efforts underway to put it out. Agia Anna Community President Anastasis Georgiou said the fire had already burned houses in the village.
Georgiou said community services, working with other agencies, had relocated elderly residents unable to evacuate their homes to another community. He added that community services and residents were also fighting the fire themselves, using whatever means they had available, including agricultural machinery.
Agia Anna residents are being relocated to Mosfiloti community council, as the fire moves towards Psevdas. According to reports from residents to philenews, they did not receive an SMS alert to evacuate the area.
The fire broke out at the Kalo Chorio firing range following National Guard training live-fire exercises. National Guard sources confirmed to philenews that a National Guard unit was carrying out training activities at the range, and that the fire broke out during the exercise, though its cause remains unknown.
There are at least two active fire fronts in the area burning low vegetation. The fire is also close to wind turbines, which is making it harder to bring under control. Firefighting forces have been reinforced with four aircraft, while the Department of Forests is assisting with six vehicles. Larnaca Police officers are also at the scene.
Firefighting crews are struggling to enter the firing range and reach the source of the fire, as the possible presence of unexploded ordnance and the particular conditions in the area make the operation extremely dangerous.
The fire is visible from the motorway near Skarinou.
