UPDATED: Fire at Ghaxaq farm

Keith Fenech

Jun 3rd 2008, 11:39

The fireworks display in Ghaxaq for the feast of St. Joseph was over by 11.40p.m. It is very difficult that a fire that broke out almost 2 hours after the conclusion of the display was caused by the fireworks.

I think that this is another attack on fireworks enthusiasts. It is better mentioning that these spectacular fireworks displays attract thousands of tourists to the maltese islands during the summer months. In fact all those that witnessed that spectacular fireworks display can confirm that that were hundreds of tourists that visited the village of Hal Ghaxaq for this spectecular fireworks display synchronised to music that is held annually in Hal Ghaxaq on the eve of the feast of St. Joseph that is held every year on the first Sunday of the month of June.

A Bezzina

Jun 2nd 2008, 14:05

Further to Mr Marsh's postulation in defence of fireworks at Ghaxaq, the full report today states that the fire was noticed by the next door farm occupants at 1am which must have been roaring away already. Closer enough to midnight?

Andrew Gatt

Jun 2nd 2008, 11:33

A fire breaks out in Mellieha. Property is destroyed and rabbits burn to death. Birdlife immediately starts lashing out and accusing hunters left, right and centre. A fire breaks out in Ghaxaq. Property is destroyed (much more, actually!) and rabbits burn to death. No comments from Birdlife.

Yet both incidents are similar, both incidents took place within hours of each other. Different weights and measures. Same slick anti-hunting comments and mudslinging as usual. Yuk how hypocritical.

A Bezzina

Jun 1st 2008, 21:18

Firework displays for Santa Maria in Mosta ignited a field 8 years ago 750 metres from the launch site (distance measured courtesy GoogleEarth). The 2 am fire start is an estimate and could have been smouldering for some time before the blaze took hold and be noticed. It is also very windy today which would have carried ambers far and wide and helped to stoke a small fire. Remote possibility Mr Marsh? Unlikely!

A.Charles

Jun 1st 2008, 16:10

I only asked a question.

charles marsh

Jun 1st 2008, 11:04

I don't think the fireworks display had to do with this. First of all the display was finished before midnight and the report states that the fire broke out around 2 am. Secondly there is quite a good distance between the farm and the place from where the fireworks were put off. So I don't think it's fair to blame it on the fireworks ! I believe the possibility is very remote.

R. C Conti

Jun 1st 2008, 10:32

I personally do not believe that the fireworks display was the cause of the fire as the farm is situated quite a distance away. Haystacks have a tendency to combust on there own due to suspended particles released in the air. The smallest of sparks (even electrical) can cause a fire to break out.

A. Charles

Jun 1st 2008, 10:14

Is there any connection between this fire and the fireworks display for the Ghaxaq feast?