Watch: Sliema home of 44 years damaged in fire, leaving residents 'devastated'

A Sliema couple in their 60s have been left “devastated” after a fire tore through the upper level of their home on Wednesday night, leaving behind extensive damage.

The third floor of Antonia and Peter Vella’s home in Rudolph Street, where they have lived for 44 years, was engulfed in flames.

While the exact cause has yet to be confirmed, the couple believe it may have started with a short-circuited fan. The appliance was being used to cool their pets on the upper level.

Speaking to Times of Malta on Thursday afternoon, Antonia Vella was still shaken.

“I am devastated. I would rather have died than have to see my house like this and have to deal with all of this now,” she said.

Antonia had been recovering from a virus on the night of the fire, while her husband had nodded off to sleep. They were alerted by strange noises coming from the third floor, where they had left their two cats and five chihuahuas.

“I heard some odd sounds and thought I would go and check, but when I opened the door, it was full of smoke and I couldn’t even see in front of me,” she said.

Peter Vella rushed to the pets' aid, pushing through the smoke and flames to rescue them. Despite some of his hair being burnt in the process, he managed to save all the animals except one of the cats, which did not survive the blaze.

He also attempted to contain the fire until emergency services arrived.

“Thank God for him because it could have been much worse and spread so much more if he didn't contain it."

Despite the shock, the couple are in a stable condition, with neither one having to go to the hospital. Peter had to receive oxygen due to being exposed to the fumes.  

Authorities were dispatched 11.30pm. The Civil Protection Department (CPD) was dispatched to the scene and brought the fire under control.

“Upon arrival, firefighters began tackling the blaze, which had broken out on the third floor of a residence. Their action successfully brought the fire under control,” the CPD said in a statement on social media.

A video shared by the department showed flames pouring from a third-floor window, close to an adjacent building. Twelve firefighters were on the scene. 

Officials told Times of Malta they were unable to confirm the cause of the fire due to the presence of several electrical appliances on the floor.

“This was my home for 44 years. And now it needs a new roof, it has no electricity, water and is pitch black. It is heartbreaking,” Antonia said.

The couple, along with their surviving pets, are currently staying with their son, who lives next door.

A friend and Sliema resident, Brian Vigar, has appealed for help on social media to assist the family.

“They are currently without electricity, water, and appliances… We appreciate any kind of help... there is definitely a need,” he said.

He added that the family requires support including a lifter, skip, plumbing, an electrician, a builder, appliances such as a fridge and washing machine, a plasterer, and permits from the Sliema local council.

Anyone wishing to help is asked to contact Vigar on boc.vsc@gmail.com