Thick black plumes result of massive fire at Marsa sports grounds

Updated at 2:45pm with Water Services Corporation statement

A fire has broken out near the Marsa racecourse on Tuesday, resulting in black plumes  of smoke spotted by many in the distance.

The flames started from a grassfire in the area, but eventually led to burning tyres and PVC pipes. No injuries have been reported as a result of the fire.

Members of the Civil Protection Department are on site trying to contain the fire.

Tony Pisani, Chief Assistant Rescue Officer, told journalists on site that the first reports of the fire came in at 11:30am.

A small rescue unit was sent to the site, but it quickly became apparent that more units would be needed.

Given the intensity of the fire, officials had to combat the flames from a distance. Vehicles from Ħal Far, Xemxija, Delimara were called to the scene to help put the fire out.

The fire was controlled within an hour, with 20 people on site battling the flames.

Police and Transport Malta officials were also on site. An ambulance was also on site to support the firefighters.

Pisani appealed to farmers not to start grass fires in the hot summer months. "This is not the time to burn grass. Wait a little and burn it in winter, maybe in October and November."

He said CPD resources are being used on small fires, which makes it harder to combat these larger fires.

The Water Services Corporation (WSC) issued a statement on Tuesday afternoon explaining that, in the area, a contractor is implementing one of its sewer network upgrade projects.

"The Marsa sewer upgrade project is a major part of the WSC's ongoing commitment to improving Malta's water and wastewater infrastructure. Several PVC sewer pipes that were about to be laid in trenches as part of this project burnt down in this fire."

The WSC said that it is collaborating with local authorities to investigate the cause of the fire. The contractor is also cooperation.

"WSC thanks the Civil Protection Department and other authorities for their rapid response and for their work to extinguish the flames. We also want to extend our gratitude to the local community for their understanding and cooperation during this time."

More to follow