The old prison in Palma, occupied by homeless people for several years, is once again a focus of concern following two fires - a small one around 9.20pm on Friday and a much larger one at 2am on Saturday morning.
Firefighters brought the small fire under control relatively quickly. The second fire took two hours to control. The vast amount of rubbish that has accumulated at the old prison was a reason why the fire spread. Four people on the first floor were trapped and needed to be rescued. Fortunately, no one was harmed.
The firefighters' efforts were hampered by all the rubbish. It created difficulties in getting access to affected areas. Around 200 people were evacuated. It is reckoned that there have been as many as 500 people on occasions.
Three weeks ago there was a major police operation at the old prison. Over 150 people were identified. In March last year, the occupants were given ten days' notice to quit or face heavy fines. It was reported at that time that the town hall wanted them out in order to demolish the old prison. Work on that, it was said, was due to have started last June. New homes are planned for the site.