Opel Zafira vehicles may have to be recalled following a series of fires, the latest of which happened in Cork, Ireland, yesterday.

Cars International, Opel representatives in Malta, said they are not aware of any similar incidents in Malta.

At least 133 fires have been reported.

Opel said in a statement after yesterday's fire that it was carrying out an investigation following reports of fire in the area of the heating and ventilation system in a number of Opel Zafiras (the Zafira B model launched in 2005, not current Zafira Tourer).

"While the number of incidents is very low in proportion to the number of vehicles on the road, we take this issue very seriously and will take further action. Opel will be working with the local authorities to identify the probable cause of the thermal incident reported in an Opel Zafira in Passage West, Co. Cork today as part of this investigation.

"If you are concerned about operating your vehicle or if you notice any unusual characteristics with the heating and ventilation system (for example a squeaking noise from the dashboard) you should contact your Opel dealer and arrange for your vehicle to be inspected. This will be done at no cost," the statement said.

Thousands of Zafira vehicles have been recalled in the UK following the fires.

Vauxhall Motors said only right-hand drive models, sold primarily in Britain, were affected, alongside smaller numbers in Ireland, Malta and Cyprus.

The company does not yet know the cause of the fires but Vauxhall said the necessary action would be taken.

This could mean a recall of all Opel Zafira B models.