Firefighters Tame Large Blaze Near Victoria

Blaze Engulfs Rural Malta: Firefighters Battle Large Blaze Near Victoria

Smoke billowed into the clear Maltese sky yesterday afternoon as a large fire broke out near Victoria, Gozo’s capital. The blaze, which started around 3 PM, quickly engulfed an area of around 500 square metres, threatening nearby homes and causing concern among residents.

Firefighting Efforts

Firefighters from the Civil Protection Department, along with their counterparts from the Gozo Fire Department, rushed to the scene at Triq l-Indipendenza. They battled the intense flames, using water and foam to bring the fire under control. After several hours of relentless effort, they finally managed to extinguish the blaze by around 7 PM.

“It was a challenging fire due to the dry vegetation and strong winds,” said Inspector Joe Borg, one of the firefighters on the scene. “But thanks to our team’s quick response and coordinated efforts, we were able to prevent it from spreading further.”

No Major Damage or Injuries

Fortunately, no major damage to property was reported, and no injuries were sustained. However, the fire did cause some disruption to traffic in the area, with police temporarily closing off Triq l-Indipendenza as a safety precaution.

Residents in the area praised the firefighters’ swift response and professionalism. “We’re all very grateful for their quick action,” said Maria Azzopardi, a Victoria resident. “It could have been much worse if they hadn’t arrived so quickly.”

This incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing risk of wildfires in Malta, particularly during the summer months. The Civil Protection Department urges the public to be cautious when disposing of cigarettes and matches, and to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately.