Updated 7pm

A massive fire which broke out on the outskirts of Żebbuġ on Saturday afternoon was brought under control after a massive firefighting operation over several hours, with no injuries reported. 

Police said they had received reports of the fire, on Triq L-Imdina between Żebbuġ and Qormi, at around 2.30pm.

A spokesman confirmed that the fire had broken out in a storage yard at trucking company Attrans Ltd but could not provide further details. 

The CPD told Times of Malta a large amount of flammable material, including tyres and fuel tanks, had been caught in the blaze.

The firefighting operation lasted several hours and involved five officers and over 30 firefighters. In total more than 250,000 litres of water and 3,000 litres of foam were used.  

It took 10 fire trucks and three water bowsers to control the blaze.

Police said emergency services were on site and that the road heading towards Qormi was closed for traffic.

Thick plumes of smoke could be seen from various localities around the island. 

Fire engines and CPD personnel could be seen close to the site of the fire. 

The smoke cloud as seen from Mrieħel. Photo: Diana Hernandez.