**Balcony Blaze Rips Through Protaras Apartment Block, Six Flats Damaged**
Protaras, Cyprus – A fire erupted in an apartment block on Protaras Avenue at approximately 2:15 PM on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, resulting in significant damage to six flats. The incident prompted an immediate response from the local Fire Service, which dispatched three fire engines from the Famagusta Fire Station to the scene.
Upon arrival, firefighters discovered that the blaze had spread to two apartments—one on the ground floor and another on the first floor. Firefighters equipped with breathing apparatus and water hoses worked diligently to extinguish the flames. In addition to battling the fire, they successfully evacuated a resident with mobility issues from an adjacent apartment who had been affected by smoke.
Authorities confirmed that the building was evacuated in a timely manner, ensuring that no residents were placed in jeopardy during the incident. The Fire Service managed to bring the fire under control, but not before it caused extensive damage to the second-floor apartment where the fire is believed to have originated. Initial investigations indicate that the fire began on the balcony of this apartment, and there are currently no signs suggesting that it was deliberately set.
The blaze also resulted in lesser damage to four additional apartments within the block. Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, as officials seek to determine the exact circumstances that led to the incident.
This fire comes amid a yellow warning issued by the Cyprus Met Office for extreme heat, which may have contributed to the conditions surrounding the blaze. Local residents and authorities are urged to remain vigilant during this period of high temperatures.
As the investigation continues, the community is left to assess the impact of the fire on the affected families and the overall safety of residential buildings in the area. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.