Marsa Blaze: Firefighters Battle Old Matches Factory Inferno
Blaze in Marsa: Firefighters Battle Old Matches Factory Inferno
In the heart of Marsa, a once-thriving industrial hub now known for its bustling markets and quaint cafes, an old matches factory stood silent and forgotten. Until last night, that is, when a fierce blaze engulfed the derelict building, drawing firefighters from across Malta to tackle the inferno.
Smoke Plume Visible Across Grand Harbour
The fire, which broke out around 9 PM, sent a thick column of smoke into the night sky, visible from as far as Valletta and the Three Cities across Grand Harbour. Residents reported hearing explosions, believed to be caused by leftover chemicals in the abandoned factory. “It was like a war zone,” said Joe, a resident of nearby Marsa Sports Club, who wished to be identified only by his first name.
Firefighting Effort Involves Multiple Stations
Fire Services Malta deployed crews from Marsa, Paola, and Tarxien stations to battle the blaze. They were joined by a water tanker from Luqa and a foam unit from Birkirkara. Despite the challenge posed by the building’s derelict state and the presence of hazardous materials, firefighters managed to contain the fire by around 1 AM.
“It was a complex operation,” said a spokesperson for Fire Services Malta. “The building was in a poor state of repair, and we had to ensure the safety of our crews while dealing with the fire. We’re grateful for the support of our colleagues from other stations.”
Environmental Concerns Raised
The fire has raised concerns about the environmental impact of the blaze. While firefighters used foam to combat the flames, environmentalists worry about potential contamination of the nearby Marsamxett Harbour. “We’re calling for a thorough investigation into the environmental impact of this fire,” said a spokesperson for Nature Trust Malta.
Marsa Local Council has also expressed concern. “We’ve been pushing for the redevelopment of this area for years,” said a council spokesperson. “Incidents like this highlight the need for urgent action to secure these derelict sites and prevent such fires in the future.”
Investigation Underway
Police are treating the fire as suspicious and have launched an investigation. Anyone with information is urged to contact the police on 119 or 2122 4001.
As the smoke clears over Marsa, one thing is clear: the old matches factory fire has served as a stark reminder of the dangers posed by derelict buildings and the need for urgent action to secure such sites.
