Sharjah paint factory gutted

A massive fire gutted a paint factory in the Sharjah industrial area yesterday. Fifteen people sustained minor burns. There was considerable damage to property.

The blaze at the Al Ittihad Paint Factory, located in the second Industrial area, started at 1.30 pm. In minutes, thick, black smoke blanketed the area as the fire caused explosions and spread panic. Balls of fire burst out of the building as the intense heat caused pressurised paint barrels to explode.

Five water and foam tankers fought the fire, and around 2pm, Sharjah Civil Defence and Police authorities asked for a tanker from Dubai Civil Defence.

Police evacuated the neighbouring building and barricaded the area. The fire was doused by 5pm, but cooling operations continued into the night.