A woman and her dog were rescued from a burning building in central Paphos on Wednesday afternoon after thick smoke spread through a three-storey apartment block.

The fire broke out shortly after midday in the entrance and lift area of the building, prompting a swift response from the Paphos fire station.

According to a post by fire service spokesman Andreas Kettis on platform X, two fire engines were sent to the scene. Flames had engulfed furniture and mattresses stored in the common areas of the block.

Heavy smoke and hot gases reached an apartment on the first floor, trapping the woman and her pet inside. Firefighters managed to enter the flat and bring both of them to safety.

As a precaution, the rest of the residents were evacuated from the building.

Kettis confirmed that the woman and her dog appeared to be in good health following the incident. No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with the fire service working alongside police to determine what sparked the blaze.