Filenews 22 April 2021 - by Dora Christodoulou
While at first light of day Police and Fire Brigade have resumed investigations to definitively clarify the causes of last night's fire in the Carob mill complex, the authorities appear concerned that for four years every year and in some cases twice in the same year, the historic building complex of Apostolos Pavlos Avenue has been targeted by arsonists.
Police officials pointed out that in all cases it has been established that the fires broke out with responsibility and actions of young people, in most cases minors, who took advantage of the abandonment of the building complex, used it as a place for various antisocial activities that often resulted in the challenge of a fire.
The authorities consider it possible, in this case, that these are the irresponsibility of young people that led to the fire. The Mayor of Paphos, Phaedon Phaedon, who went on the spot last night stressed that on the basis of testimonies that exist and in this case minors are said to be responsible for the new fire, making it clear that there is no question of malicious action aimed at preventing actions to exploit the site by the municipal authority.
As is well known, last night's fire caused extensive damage to part of the buildings and their roofs. The Fire Department was able to contain the fire front before it took on larger dimensions and extended to adjacent buildings, while the work of complete extinguishment continued for hours.
The building complex of Carobmills, on The Apostle Paul Avenue leading to the tourist area, was recently granted by decision of the Council of Ministers to the Municipality of Paphos to develop in a way that would be decided by the municipal authority. Cleaning and removal of hazardous materials have already begun at the site.
Investigations are ongoing.
