Dubai Marina was abuzz yesterday, as one of the residential towers close to Media City caught on fire.
Hundreds of bystanders watched as a fire broke out at the 75-storey Sulafa Tower. The blaze is believed to have started on the 61st floor, rapidly spreading to the top of the building. Debris then fell to the 35th floor and spread to the 45th floor.
Latest update is that the fire was started by a cigarette.
One resident Mitch Williams updated us on the current situation: “They were letting people into the building floor by floor last night and only at about 2am were residents who stayed on floors 45 and above allowed to go and get belongings, and then leave.
Mitch Williams shares a photo from the scene
“Tenants below 45 could stay the night in their apartment. I’m on the 45th floor and my apartment is fine with some smoke damage but nothing major. The apartments on the other side where the fire was were completely flooded as their balconies were up in flames. The lifts were all non-operational and most floors had been flooded. The upper level parking is completely covered in debris which has destroyed the shade nets.
“The Westin were amazing and opening up a hall for all the people giving us food, refreshments and a place to sit and wait it out while they were fighting the fire.
“I must say the civil defence teams that they deployed to manage the scene were amazing.”
Emirates Woman was on the scene yesterday and managed to speak with some of the building’s residents, one who said he was impressed at the rapid response by the local fire services.
“There was a fast reaction from the police and the civil defence,” he said, choosing not to be named. “They’re across the street so it didn’t take that long for them to reach us. Maybe around two minutes, three minutes maximum.”
The Police, Fire and Civil Defense services were quick to arrive to the scene.
While ambulances responded quickly to to those affected, burning debris and shards of glass periodically rained down near the crowds below, who were warned to move back.
Firemen, Civil Defence and paramedics were seen tending to those affected by the fire.
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Another resident of one of the higher floors watched on as the building continued to burn, telling Emirates Woman he has no idea about the amount of damage affecting his flat.
“The debris is falling down and setting fire to the rest of the building. Burning debris rained down from the upper floors, eventually setting fire to the lower levels.”
While the cause of the fire has yet to be revealed this resident claimed they are constantly evacuated due to careless tenants. He said: “We get evacuated around two times a month because people forget to turn off their stoves or something… After the last fire, we asked for safety banners so that residents could be reminded about fire safety. There is no fire safety education.”
How Dubai Offered Support To #SulafaTower Residents
To anyone affected by the #Sulafa tower fire, we are opening up The Westin ballroom should you need temporary shelter and refreshments.
— The Westin Dubai (@WestinDXBMina) July 20, 2016
@CareemUAE is offering free rides to anyone getting out of Dubai Marina this evening. Use promo code: Marina
— SanaOnFood (@MysteriousDiner) July 20, 2016
Stay safe! Our Captains are on alert and close by. Free rides for everyone getting out of #DubaiMarina #Sulafa pic.twitter.com/zF8odXzwcx
— Careem UAE (@CareemUAE) July 20, 2016
Tamani Hotel in Marina is offering accommodation to Sulafa Tower residents but they must provide proof that they are residents with a letter from their landlord.
UBER weren’t as generous as Careem, but still helpful.
Stay tuned as we will continue to update you on the situation.
