Dubai fire: blaze at Swissotel in Downtown sends smoke over the city

No injuries or deaths reported after rooftop blaze

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  Flames are seen on the roof of the Swissotel Al Murooj in Downtown Dubai on Wednesday. The National

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  Dark smoke was sent over the surrounding area. Staff said the building was quickly evacuated of guests

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  A resident captured this image of a fire on the roof of the Swissotel Al Murooj. Photo: Emad Farid

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  The flames were quickly brought under control by firefighters

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  The fire sent smoke over the Downtown area

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  Dark plumes drifted over Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard

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  Guests, visitors and staff stood outside after the property was evacuated. The National

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  Several fire engines were sent to the scene. The National

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  Dubai civil defence brought the blaze under control. The National

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  Police officers and paramedics also arrived. The National

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  The roof of the building after the fire had been extinguished. Photo: Dubai Civil Defence

A fire broke out at a Dubai hotel on Wednesday, sending smoke over the Downtown area.

Images showed flames on the roof of the Swissotel Al Murooj, which is close to Dubai Mall, shortly after 3pm.

Staff at the hotel told The National that the building was quickly evacuated.

Guests gathered at a nearby assembly point while the hotel was checked over.

In a statement, Dubai Civil Defence said the blaze was first reported at 3.19pm. Crews from four stations, Zabeel, Rashidiya, Barsha and Al Ittihad responded, the first arriving within four minutes of the call.

The fire was traced to a number of air-conditioning units on the roof of the hotel. It was brought under control by 3.41pm. Crews remained at the scene to hose down the area.

No injuries or deaths were reported.

Swissotel Al Murooj comprises a cluster of buildings spread over a square block that contains hotel rooms and serviced apartments. The hotel was previously operated by the local hotel brand Roda and before that by Rotana.