Five people have been injured in a fire that broke out in Ajman's Industrial Area 3 early on Friday, destroying an oil and lubricants factory, a warehouse, a residential building and dozens of cars.
Firefighters from four emirates battled the blaze, which was first reported at 3.15am.
Images and footage posted online showed the fire burning fiercely, sending plumes of black smoke into the sky.
It was eventually brought under control by fire crews.
Ajman Police said four of the five people hurt suffered moderate injuries, while the fifth had minor injuries. All were taken to Sheikh Khalifa Hospital for treatment.
Police said the oil and lubricants factory, a garments warehouse, nine shops, a two-floor residential building and 39 cars were destroyed in the fire. The residential building had been evacuated.
Commander-in-Chief of the Ajman Police Maj Gen Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah said Ajman firefighters arrived at the scene within seven minutes.
“Firefighters from three stations were dispatched to the scene after receiving the report at 3.15am,” said Maj Gen bin Abdullah.
They were later joined by crews from Sharjah, Dubai and Umm Al Quwain.
Maj Gen bin Abdullah said flammable oils in the factory assisted the spread of the fire.
