(COURTESY: FATIMA  ZAINAL, READER)  
 

  

Firefighters have extinguished the massive fire that broke out on Wednesday morning in an illegal firecracker warehouse in Dubai’s Al Quoz Industrial Area, an official told Emirates Business.

Abu Nasier, spokesperson of the Dubai Ministry of Civil Defence, confirmed that the fire has been put out at around 2pm, nearly seven hours after an explosion was heard in a warehouse in the industrial area.

Nasier said the extent of the damage cannot be determined just yet as the Dubai Police would still have to conduct a thorough investigation.  

Local media reports mentioned that the fire has spread to over 80 warehouses in the area and losses may amount to about Dh600 million, according to a Dubai-based insurance company.

Nasier, however, said it is too early to speculate and authorities will have to wait until the investigation has been finalised.
 
"In as far as the Civil Defence is concerned, we've done our mission and we're leaving it to the Dubai Police to look into the details surrounding the fire," he said.

Nasier also mentioned that some 40 fire trucks have been dispatched to contain the fire. Firefighting teams from Ajman, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi have also provided assistance.

Terence Bamble, a Dubai resident who was at the fire scene in Al Quoz, told the local media that the Civil Defence and Dubai Police have managed to carry enough water to the area and douse buildings to prevent other warehouses from being gutted by fire.

He added that although Spinneys and Union Properties warehouses were not damaged by the fire, the properties were soaked in water.

“The direction of the wind has not changed and continues to move northeasterly from the location of the fire, which is towards the Burj Dubai area. Heavy and thick smoke, however, continues to billow out,” he was quoted as saying.

Local media also reported that two people have died and two others were injured from the incident.

Some schools have been shut on Wednesday to prevent children from being exposed to fumes and ash that may be hazardous to health. Authorities at the Dubai Department of Health and Medical Services have also cautioned UAE residents against the possible harm polluted air can cause people with weak respiratory conditions. Residents are advised to stay indoors if necessary.