The Farsons Group of Companies was hit by two fires in four days, the first time when an office caught fire in Mriehel on Friday and yesterday morning when a fire broke out at Pizza Hut in Valletta.

The first fire was caused by an electrical fault in an office at the group’s premises in Mriehel. Members of the Civil Protection Department were called on site to control the fire. Sources said no one was injured in the fire which caused considerable damage.

A number of activities including a visit to the brewery by a group of students had to be cancelled.

At around 6.15am yesterday morning, the police were informed that smoke could be seen inside the Pizza Hut outlet in South Street, Valletta. Members of the Civil Protection Department, along with four fire engines, were on site to control the fire.

The restaurant chain, which is managed by the group, sustained considerable damage in the fire. Sources close to the investigators said the fire was most probably sparked off by a short circuit in the bar of the restaurant.

A number of residents living near the restaurant were evacuated as a precautionary measure and one man, said to be bedridden, was taken to hospital and treated for smoke inhalation. He was released from hospital shortly after receiving treatment.

Duty magistrate Joseph Apap Bologna appointed court experts to help the inquiry.

Yesterday evening, the CPD was also called in to control a fire that broke out at the Calypso Radio offices in St Paul’s Bay.

No one was injured in the incident.