Members of the Civil Protection Department had a busy day today putting out a spate of fires that occurred in a space of a few hours.

Three cars were extensively damaged in a suspected arson in the early hours of the morning in a field being used as a car park in Triq ix-Xghajra, Zabbar. Preliminary investigations found that a BMW 535D was probably the primary target after a burnt tyre was discovered on its right-hand side.

A Toyota Auris and a Saab parked beside it were also damaged in the blaze.

Another fire which started due to a short circuit occurred in a residence in Merchants’ Street, Valletta at around 11.30am.

Another fire was reported in a block of offices in Triq Nazzjonali, Blata l-Bajda, close to Mizzi House at around 2.30 p.m. Employees evacuated the building.

The latest fire occurred in a residence in Triq Sant'Antnin, Sliema at around 3.10 p.m. Initial reports show that a gas leakage was the cause of the fire. Fire crews are on the scene.