The findings of the investigation into the wildfire that erupted at the Kalo Chorio firing range on 27 July could be submitted as early as Wednesday, according to information obtained by Politis.
The inquiry is being conducted by Brigadier Savvas Stefanou, who was appointed by the National Guard General Staff (GEEF) to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fire, which broke out during a training activity involving the National Guard and a unit of the US military carrying out ammunition disposal operations.
According to Politis, Brigadier Stefanou spent Tuesday finalising his report and may deliver it to National Guard Commander Lieutenant General Emmanouil Theodorou as early as today.
Focus on decisions and responsibilities
The investigation examined all aspects of the incident, including whether the training activity should have proceeded under the prevailing high-temperature conditions and who authorised the exercise.
Investigators also reviewed whether all procedures required under the National Guard's standing orders were followed.
Apart from announcing the launch of the investigation, neither the Ministry of Defence nor the National Guard General Staff has provided details on whether the findings will be made public or whether additional information will be released.
The official announcement stated that the inquiry was intended to determine the causes and circumstances of the fire, as well as any disciplinary or criminal responsibilities that may arise.
Key issues examined
According to the report, two important factors are expected to feature in the findings.
The first concerns the precautionary measures that had been put in place in case a fire broke out, including the presence of a firefighting vehicle at the firing range.
The second relates to the fact that small outbreaks of fire following explosions or ammunition destruction operations are generally regarded as a foreseeable consequence of such activities.
As a result, the central issue for investigators is expected to be whether the exercise was permitted under existing standing orders, who prepared and approved the training programme, who selected the dates for the operation and whether the ammunition disposal activity could have been carried out at another time.
It is also noted that, on the day of the incident, a senior officer representing the National Guard's leadership was present in the observation area of the firing range.
Role of the 70th Engineer Battalion
The 70th Engineer Battalion was the unit responsible for carrying out the ammunition destruction operation at the Kalo Chorio firing range.
The procedure formed part of an activity for which the battalion was due to be evaluated by a specialist unit of the US military.
Defence minister's position
As the military investigation nears completion, attention is likely to focus on whether its conclusions align with statements made shortly after the incident by Defence Minister Vasilis Palmas.
The minister publicly attributed responsibility for the fire to the 70th Engineer Battalion.
Among other remarks, he stated that responsibility had "a name and a surname", arguing that the battalion proceeded with the destruction of the ammunition despite an existing prohibition, resulting in a wildfire that endangered lives and caused damage to property.
Whether the official findings support that assessment is expected to become clearer once the report is submitted and reviewed by the National Guard leadership.
