Marsa’s Old Matches Factory Ablaze: Firefighters Battle Historic Blaze

In the heart of Marsa, a thick plume of smoke billowed into the evening sky, a stark contrast against the setting sun. The old matches factory, long abandoned, was ablaze, drawing firefighters from across the island to tackle the inferno.

Blaze Engulfs Historic Marsa Site

The derelict factory, standing tall on Triq il-Kbira, has been a haunting reminder of Marsa’s industrial past. Built in the late 19th century, it once hummed with activity, producing matches that lit up homes across Malta. But in recent decades, it has fallen into disrepair, becoming a magnet for squatters and a haven for urban explorers.

Firefighting Effort in Full Swing

As the fire broke out around 7 PM, firefighters from Marsa, Paola, and Tarxien stations rushed to the scene. They were joined by units from the Armed Forces, with a total of 12 tenders and over 50 firefighters battling the blaze. The fire, fueled by decades of accumulated debris and old machinery, was fierce, with flames leaping high into the air.

Residents of nearby streets were advised to keep their windows closed due to the thick smoke. Some even reported hearing explosions, likely caused by old chemicals stored in the factory. “It was like a war zone,” said Joe, a resident of Triq San Pawl. “The noise, the smoke, it was terrifying.”

Investigation Underway

While the fire is still being extinguished, investigations into its cause have already begun. Police are treating the incident as suspicious, with early indications suggesting it may have been deliberately started. “We’re looking at all possibilities,” said a police spokesperson. “But at this stage, we can’t rule out arson.”

This isn’t the first time the old factory has made headlines. In 2015, a group of urban explorers discovered a hidden underground tunnel system beneath the building. The factory has also been the subject of several planning disputes, with proposals to redevelop the site into residential units meeting with fierce local opposition.

As the fire finally began to subside, the charred remains of the old matches factory stood as a poignant reminder of Malta’s industrial heritage. The future of the site remains uncertain, but one thing is clear – the fire has brought the long-running debate about its future back into the spotlight.