ŻEBBUĠ, MALTA — Multiple firefighting units from the Civil Protection Department (CPD) were deployed on Saturday afternoon to battle a massive industrial fire that erupted along Mdina Road, sending a thick plume of black smoke visible from kilometers away.

The fast-moving blaze caused significant travel disruptions and required an extensive multi-agency emergency response to bring under control.

According to official sources, the emergency began shortly after 2:00 PM on Saturday, June 27, 2026 when a standard grass fire broke out in a field adjacent to Mdina Road. Fueled by dry summer conditions and strong winds, the flames quickly jumped the perimeter and spread into a neighboring scrapyard facility.

Once inside the yard, the fire rapidly escalated into a major industrial incident as it tore through an area where numerous decommissioned cars were being kept. The combustion of rubber tires, vehicle upholstery, fuel residues, and accumulated industrial waste produced dense, dark soot clouds that choked the afternoon sky and prompted warnings across central Malta.

The Civil Protection Department swiftly mobilized several firefighting assets to the site to contain the blaze and prevent it from reaching nearby commercial properties. Crews utilized heavy foam and high-pressure water lines to suffocate the burning vehicles and clear the thick smoke.

"Emergency response operations are ongoing and the situation is being closely monitored," the Civil Protection Department stated during the peak of the operation.

Due to the immense volume of smoke and the heavy presence of emergency vehicles, local authorities closed Mdina Road in both directions. The CPD and police forces urged the public to completely avoid the area and strictly follow all instructions issued by emergency services.

Despite the intensity of the flames and the risk of small explosions from the burning scrap vehicles, no injuries have been reported so far. Firefighters managed to establish a defensive line to protect surrounding infrastructure, eventually bringing the core of the blaze under control.

Environmental and municipal teams are expected to remain on site alongside CPD crews to monitor potential hot spots and manage the debris once cooling operations are fully finalized.