1.1866365-1845398430
On Friday, more residents moved back into their apartments and cleaners were allowed in. Image Credit: Virendra Saklani/Gulf News

Dubai: Tenants of Sulafa Tower, which caught fire on Wednesday, are trying to get to their flats to assess any damage and start cleaning up. Authorities are investigating the cause of the fire.

Officials and building management have allowed unaffected tenants to move back in but there are unconfirmed reports they have been stopped from cleaning up the soot until insurance investigators complete their report. The tower's parking lot is now reopen as well, a tenant said.



Video credit: Charlie

Most tenants Gulf News spoke to said the fire damage was mostly on the building facade and their flat's interior has been spared. Some are unsure of the situation as their flat is on higher floors, the lifts are not operational and police are reportedly only allowing tenants access up to a maximum of 40 floors, after ID checks.

Last night one lift was operating, said a tenant on floor 59.  "There's no damage from the inside but there is soot everywhere. I grabbed a few things last night and returned today but police said I can't go up the lift. I forgot my car keys last night. I would like to get them and clean up a bit as well. But I've been waiting since 9am for the lifts to come back on. It's after 2pm and there's still no news," said American expat Roger Anderson, 64.

Anderson and his wife spent the night at Gloria hotel.

Abbas L., an Arab tenant of floor 12, which was unaffected, said he has been allowed to move back in but asked to clean up. "How can the management say it's OK to live there when the air from the ventilation system is still unbreathable? It is a health hazard and they could be liable if there are consequent health problems. I have been asked not to clean up until the site is checked for insurance purposes. So how can I live there?" he asked.

A Pakistani tenant flew to Dubai after a work trip in Doha after hearing the tower was on fire.  "My flat is spared but I would like to see the situation first-hand. However, I have not been allowed up the lift yet."

Affected tenants continue to wait in the tower lobby for updates.