A large fire that broke out on Monday morning in a furniture manufacturing company in the industrial area of northern Nicosia has been brought under control, authorities in the north confirmed.

The fire was difficult to extinguish due to the presence of strong winds in the morning.

According to several Turkish Cypriot media outlets, teams from the north’s civil defence and from the municipality battled the blaze.

Two workers employed at the company were also taken to hospital, but their condition has not yet been made public.

Turkish Cypriot authorities will investigate what could have caused the fire.

Black thick smoke could be seen billowing from the plant throughout the morning. Several explosions were also heard.

Earlier in the day, fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis said on Twitter that firefighters in the Republic were also on high alert.

Kettis also said that smoke was visible throughout Nicosia and that a fire truck was dispatched close to the area.