**Title: Unattended Cooking and Electrical Fault Spark Fires in Nicosia**
On Monday, two separate fires in Nicosia resulted in minor damage, as reported by the fire service on Tuesday. The incidents were attributed to an electrical fault and unattended cooking, highlighting ongoing safety concerns in residential areas.
The first fire occurred at approximately 5:13 PM in Lakatamia, where flames erupted from a water drilling control panel. The fire quickly spread to the roof of a two-storey wooden house, prompting an immediate response from the local fire department. Three fire engines from the Lakatamia fire station were dispatched to the scene and worked diligently to bring the fire under control by 7:46 PM.
Firefighters faced challenges as the flames spread through the ceiling of an adjacent structure, affecting parts of the house. To fully extinguish the blaze, crews had to dismantle sections of drywall, which allowed them to access hidden flames and prevent further damage. The incident resulted in damage to the paintwork, the wooden roof beams, and the electrical installation of the affected property.
Later in the evening, at 9:32 PM, a second fire was reported in a third-floor apartment in Strovolos. This incident was linked to unattended cooking, where a forgotten utensil ignited a kitchen fire. Fortunately, the owner of the apartment managed to extinguish the flames before firefighters arrived on the scene. Upon their arrival, the fire service conducted an inspection and ventilated the property to ensure that no residual smoke or hazards remained. The kitchen equipment sustained some damage, and there was minor damage to the paintwork, but the situation was contained without further escalation.
In total, the fire service reported responding to 31 incidents between 6 AM on Monday and 6 AM on Tuesday. This included 16 fire-related calls, 13 special service requests, and two false alarms. The swift response from the fire department in both incidents prevented more significant damage and ensured the safety of the residents involved.
These incidents serve as a reminder of the importance of fire safety practices, particularly in residential settings. Unattended cooking remains a common cause of household fires, while electrical faults can also pose significant risks. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.