Philenews

Fire Hazard in Polemidia Industrial Area: Illegal Extensions Block Emergency Exits

Published March 17, 2026, 10:16
Fire Hazard in Polemidia Industrial Area: Illegal Extensions Block Emergency Exits

Serious safety risks have been identified for workers and businesses in the Polemidia industrial area in Limassol due to illegal extensions that have made emergency exits inaccessible. A representative of the Fire Service told the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees that 90% of the workshops have made additions and alterations without ensuring the existence of adequate safety exits. In the event of a fire, the risk of spreading to neighboring workshops is high, with the potential to affect 3-4 businesses. The situation is worsened by the fact that many workshops use flammable materials, such as car paint or wood, while there is also a munitions manufacturing workshop, further increasing the risk. The Fire Service representative accused the authorities of a lack of inspections after the issuance of operating licenses, while pointing out that many users of workshops do not obtain a final approval certificate, resulting in the failure to check the implementation of fire protection measures. The lack of empty space between workshops due to the extensions is an additional risk factor. Members of the Parliamentary Committee on Refugees, such as Nikos Kettiros, Zacharias Koulias, Rita Superman, Christos Christofides, and Giorgos Penintaex, stressed the need for immediate examination of the issue and the taking of measures to prevent a potential tragedy.