Residents of a high-rise building in Dubai Marina told of moments of confusion and disbelief as a huge fire swept through part of their home, with many only learning of the danger through sirens screaming or neighbours pounding on doors.
A number of tenants claimed they were given no advance notice of the fire until they smelt smoke, heard fire engines racing to the scene, or were woken by worried neighbors knocking on their doors and telling them to get out. “No alarm was given. I did not know anything was amiss when I heard loud banging on my door,” claimed one occupant, who was shaken by the experience.
The blaze, which occurred early morning, triggered and emergency evacuation and saw several emergency response teams rush to the scene. Although there have been no reports of fatalities, several residents received treatment for minor smoke inhalation.
Videos posted on social media depicted dense black smoke rising from the upper levels of the building, as firefighters labored to extinguish the fire. The Owners Association has since come into contact with the insurance firm to organize temporary accommodation for affected tenants.
The authorities are now examining the cause of the fire and scrutinizing the building’s alarm and security systems, particularly in light of resident allegations of missed or delayed warnings.
