Cyprus wildfire forces evacuations, destroys homes

A wildfire erupted in the Kaló Chorió shooting range in Cyprus's Larnaca district on Tuesday afternoon, quickly spreading and causing significant damage. The blaze reached the community of Ayia Anna around 4 p.m., after evacuation orders had been issued. Shortly after, the community of Yevda was also evacuated.

Anastasis Georgiou, president of Ayia Anna, told the Cyprus News Agency that the fire entered the community uncontrollably, already destroying homes. He noted that the community services, along with residents using agricultural machinery, are assisting in the firefighting efforts. Elderly residents unable to evacuate on their own were moved to another community.

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The fire entered the community uncontrollably, already destroying homes.

Savvas Iezekiel, director of the Forestry Department, stated that firefighting forces have the fire surrounded, though strong winds are creating difficulties by carrying embers to new areas. He confirmed that while homes were initially threatened, efforts are being made to protect all residences. The fire reportedly started within the shooting range, where explosions initially prevented firefighters from approaching due to safety concerns, allowing the blaze to escape.

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The problem is related to the strong winds which carry embers to points we cannot control quickly, but every effort is being made to avoid any damage. We have ordered the evacuation of residents wherever the fire approaches.