Agia Anna leader accuses president and minister: “They’re hunting arsonists but they’re the ones lighting fires

Local firefire serviceTop News Agia Anna leader accuses president and minister: “They’re hunting arsonists but they’re the ones lighting fires 91049834 1a0f 4d12 A441 5bc5392ab102 Relevant News Israeli election billboard in Cyprus sparks backlash over foreign political campaign 27 July 2026 Agia Anna leader accuses president and minister: “They’re hunting arsonists but they’re the ones lighting fires 27 July 2026 Heatwave climbs towards 40C as new yellow warning issued for Cyprus 27 July 2026 newsroom 27 July 2026 FacebookXWhatsAppEmailPrintViber Agia Anna’s community leader, Anastasis Georgiou, hit out at President Nikos Christodoulides and Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas over the large fire that broke out in the Kalo Chorio area following National Guard training live-fire exercises. “How can live-fire exercises take place in such temperatures and at this time of year? Last year, at exactly the same time, we prevented an exercise for the same reasons,” he told reporters. Georgiou called the National Guard’s decision to carry out the exercise unacceptable. Addressing the president and the minister responsible directly, he said: “They’re looking for the criminals who start fires, but they’re the ones starting them.” He said two to three houses in the village narrowly escaped destruction, with help from volunteers, firefighters and forest rangers. Official response National Guard sources confirmed to philenews that a National Guard unit was carrying out training activity at the Kalo Chorio range. According to what philenews was told, the fire broke out during that activity, though its cause remains unknown. Separately, asked how the fire had spread, the Director of the Department of Forests said it started at the Kalo Chorio firing range, and firefighting forces were unable to approach for safety reasons because of explosions taking place, allowing the fire to escape control. Read more: Cy-alert reaches residents with delay as Agia Anna fire “surrounded” Subscribe to our Newsletter Latest News Israeli election billboard in Cyprus sparks backlash over foreign political campaign Heatwave climbs towards 40C as new yellow warning issued for Cyprus Cy-alert reaches residents with delay as Agia Anna fire “surrounded” Timur Turlov announces candidacy for FIDE President Volunteer firefighter hurt in fall while battling Kalo Chorio wildfire Kalo Chorio fire spreads to house as volunteer injured and Agia Anna evacuated (Videos) Psevdas ordered to evacuate as fire spreads from Agia Anna, reaches homes (videos) Follow en.philenews on Google News and be the first to know all the news about Cyprus and the world.