**Grease Buildup Sparks Restaurant Chimney Fire in Limassol**
A fire broke out at a restaurant located within a five-storey building in Limassol on Thursday morning, leading to significant damage and a swift response from local fire services. According to the fire brigade, the incident was triggered by accumulated grease igniting inside the chimneys.
Firefighters received the emergency call at 9:27 AM and promptly dispatched four fire engines along with a hydraulic telescopic platform to the scene. The fire was successfully brought under control by 11:30 AM, preventing further escalation of the situation.
The blaze caused extensive damage to the chimneys of the restaurant, with heat also affecting rooftop equipment and external installations. In addition, the fire compromised part of the building’s paintwork and electrical installations within the dining area. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries. An employee who was inside the restaurant preparing for the day noticed the fire and evacuated safely.
This incident was part of a busy day for the fire brigade, which responded to a total of 41 calls across Cyprus on Thursday and early Friday. The calls included 19 fires, 19 special service incidents, and three false alarms.
The Limassol fire highlights the potential hazards associated with grease buildup in commercial kitchens, underscoring the importance of regular maintenance and inspections to prevent such occurrences in the future.
As investigations continue, local authorities are expected to assess the full extent of the damage and determine any necessary safety measures to ensure similar incidents do not happen again.