Fundraiser being held for families left homeless after Birkirkara fire

A fundraiser has been launched to support three families left homeless after a major garage fire in Birkirkara on Wednesday.

The appeal was set up following the fire that broke out on Valley Road, which severely damaged the residences located above a private garage.

Police said the fire broke out shortly after 2.15pm in Triq Mannarino, near the Birkirkara end of Valley Road. The garage was found to contain electric scooters and lithium batteries, though the cause of the fire has not been confirmed.

No injuries were reported, but residents living above and behind the site were evacuated as a precaution. Valley Road was closed to traffic during the emergency and partially reopened just before 6pm, while the fire was completely extinguished shortly before midnight.

The Civil Protection Department said firefighters used around 220,000 litres of water and 5,000 litres of foam to control the blaze, deploying 39 firefighters, 11 senior officers and 16 fire appliances.

Authorities also advised residents in nearby areas, including Swatar, to keep doors and windows closed due to smoke and fumes.

Although the families escaped safely, their homes were left uninhabitable, with extensive smoke damage, shattered windows and interiors covered in firefighting residue. Police escorts were required to allow residents to retrieve salvageable belongings.

The fundraiser aims to help the affected families replace essential items and begin restoring their homes. Organisers said donations of any size would assist them as they face a lengthy recovery process. 

RSS Feed Source: Independent Malta Fundraiser being held for families left homeless after Birkirkara fire