The following are the top stories in national newspapers today.

Times of Malta says chemical experts are warning the authorities not to play with fire and to avoid the letting off of fireworks close to the new gas-fired power station in Delimara in future. In another story, it says the police have searched an office at the Health Ministry that was occupied by a former employee who was allegedly involved in a medical visas racket.

L-Orizzont says that the Civil Protection Department will have to invest in a fire engine that reaches higher than 12 stories to keep up with the height of new buildings being proposed in Malta.

In-Nazzjon says the gas tanker which will be based in the midst of Marsaxlokk bay for the next 18 years is leaving Singapore for Malta and is expected to arrive here in September.

The Malta Independent says that contrary to claims in the Polish media, negotiations between Air Malta and Alitalia are ongoing.