Fire erupts at Al Quoz warehouse

Dubai: A warehouse in Al Quoz Industrial Area caught fire on Thursday and a thick plume of smoke has enveloped the whole area.

Firefighters quickly tackled the spreading blaze at a warehouse, which stocked highly flammable materials, said Civil Defence statement.

Three fire squads from Al Quoz, Jumeirah and Al Satwa Civil Defence centres rushed to the Al Quoz fire site, minutes after receiving a call alerting about the blaze at 11.16am on Thursday.

One person sustained ninety per cent burns and has been rushed to hospital, said Brigadier Abdul Jaleel Mahdi Mohammad, Deputy Director General of Preventive Security.

An Indian in his mid thirties has been brought in with severe burns, said Dr Viktor Butros from the Trauma Centre.

The fire erupted soon after a loud blast was heard, said an eyewitness at the warehouse.

Brigadier Mohammad said the fire spread fast due to strong winds.

Civil Defence teams and paramedics are at the site and the whole area has been cordoned off.

The fire was brought under control at 1:25 pm.

Brigadier Rashid Thani Al Matroshi, Director of Dubai Civil Defence Department, is currently at the site, leading fire fighting and cooling down operations.

Al Matroshi said the situation is under control.

He said the proximity of Al Quoz Civil Defence Centre helped the fire squad reach the spot on time and contain the fire.

Details about the cause of the fire will be released after investigations.

I hope the government of dubai will strictly implement safety guidelines especially in warehouses and compel them to adhere to it. Violation of these should result in a heavier punishment, in order to prevent future fires and to prevent the loss of lives and property.
Clara
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 17:24

We saw the photos, read the news and we are in shock. Last week too there was a fire in Al Quoz. Fires one after the other...
K.A.Perumal
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 16:37

The recent accidents in Dubai remind us to be more vigilant and take extra safety precautions in commercial establishments and residential area because in summer there will be more fire accidents like this.
Gul
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 16:36

I feel sorry for the loss of lives more than for the financial losses. This and all fires are due to negligence on part of the owners who have closed their eyes toward the safety norms. Any thing and every thing sells in this part of the world. The cheapest, sub standard electrical equipment is sold in markets here. Authorities must inspect commercial premises to assure safety for all.
Vinod Kishor
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 16:34

Having witnessed 3 bad fires in the past week, I am starting to seriously doubt the fire safety standards in several parts of Dubai. We have not yet reached the 'serious' heat of the summer and already this is happening. At this rate, by the end of summer, there won't be much left of Dubai. It evokes a resemblance to the Great fire of London that started on Sept 2, 1666.
Bob Boersen
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 16:31

After the first fire, all warehouse owners in Al Quoz should have taken the safety aspect more seriously. This calamity is not only destroying the lives of many but also the environment, as these fires release toxic gases which could prove fatal for all living beings. More precautions should be taken by the warehouse owners, infact they must realise even they would suffer from the loss.
P Mohan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 16:15

So many fire accidents in just a few weeks! I'm worried about what is happening in Dubai. People should be more vigilant.
Shabaan
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 16:12

Being an electrical engineer, I feel that most fires are caused by electrical short circuit because of unskilled, non-professional electricians. Every year, while renewing the tenancy contract, the municipality should arrange an inspection by licenced contractors or by DEWA officials.
Abdurasheed Ammarambath
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 15:41

It is really sad that we are hearing of fires here every day. Tomorrow this may happen in a big shoping malls during peak hours. I hope the authorities will implement good safety standards.
Bartholomew
Sharjah,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 15:41

It is unfortunate to hear of such mishaps. Any factory storing hazardous goods should be subject to strict guidelines. I feel sorry for the workers whose lives are at risk while working in such places.
Anjali B.Ramchandani
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 15:27

As summer is fast advancing, we must be more cautious. One should take all additional precautionary measures ? install adequate fire fighting facilities, give proper training to staff to operate these in case of an emergency and have periodical maintenance of these equipments to ensure these are in perfect working condition throughout the year. This can help avoid recurrence of such fires to some extent or at least minimize the loss.
Franklin
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 15:20

Dubai has got to do something with the fire accidents happening every other day. If all these warehouse had smoke detectors and water sprinklers installed previously, none of these incidents would've have happenned and a lot of lives would have been saved! All companies should follow the government's rules, they are made to keep us safe and secure.
Ala'a
Dubai,UAE
Posted: April 03, 2008, 14:51

Is this a celebration of "Dubai Fire Festival". Where are the safety measures gone? Most of the residents do not know how to use fire extinguishers. Many flats in the UAE are not equipped with fire alarms and fire extiquishers. There is a general lack of awareness.
Nafees Ahamed
Abu Dhabi,United Arab Emirates
Posted: April 03, 2008, 14:33

The authorities should hold random inspections at warehouses they suspect are not following preventive safety measures.
Mir
Manila,Philippines
Posted: April 03, 2008, 14:28