A firefighter was slightly injured while battling flames at a factory in Yeri overnight where efforts to extinguish the blaze are continuing on Friday, with the civil defence advising locals to stay indoors.

A total of 53 firefighters with 17 fire-engines from Nicosia, Larnaca, Limassol and the fire services emergency response unit (Emak) were at the scene early on Friday according to fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis. Four fire tanker trucks from the district authorities and members from the forestry department are also participating in the operation.

“The fire service was working all night and will continue to work today to extinguish the fire,” he said.

The blaze broke out on Thursday afternoon at a factory with recyclable materials, mainly from vehicles.

Crews were said to be using foam to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby factories.

Explosions could be heard in the area, with Kettis explaining last night that these were popping car tyres.

During efforts to extinguish the blaze, a firefighter sprained his ankle and was transferred via ambulance to the Nicosia general hospital where he received first aid and was released, Kettis said.

The spokesman also reminded the public to abide by the self-protection measures issued by the civil defence late on Thursday, instructing people to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary movements outside, due to the intense smell and the smoke.

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