Two firefighters have been taken to hospital after inhaling smoke at the scene of a fire at a frozen food factory in Aradippou, sources told Philenews on Monday.
Both are reported to be in good condition.
The fire broke around noon and spread to the entire factory, threatening more buildings in the area. Seven fire engines, a breathing apparatus vehicle and a hydraulic telescopic platform are now at the scene, drawn from Larnaca, Nicosia, the Vassiliko Fire Station and EMAK. A water tanker has also been requested from the Department of Forests for additional support.
Fire Service headquarters has established a forward control centre at the scene. The Ambulance Service and the Department of Labour Inspection have both been called to send personnel as a precaution.
Ambulances were also dispatched following reports of members of the public affected by smoke, according to police. Roads leading to the industrial zone remain closed and vehicles are banned from entering the area.
Firefighting forces are being continuously reinforced as the factory’s large number of cold storage chambers generates an extremely intense heat load. Crews are working to prevent the blaze from spreading to adjacent premises while simultaneously searching the building for anyone who may be trapped inside.
Dense black smoke from the fire was visible across the whole of Larnaca and from the highway.