Building site fire disrupts traffic

A fire broke out at Abu Dhabi Distribution Center near Al Falah St. in downtown Abu Dhabi.

ABU DHABI // A fire broke out on a construction site yesterday, taxing firemen who fought the blaze for more than two hours. Abu Dhabi Civil Defence said one fireman suffering from exhaustion was treated with oxygen at the scene. No civilians were hurt, though authorities warned the public that the smoke could contain chemical fumes. The fire started at the construction site near the intersection of Baniyas and Al Falah streets at about 12.30pm.

Police and other emergency personnel cordoned off the area around the incomplete structure, which officials said was being built as an extension to a public lighting field office belonging to the Abu Dhabi Distribution Company. Witnesses said at least six fire engines arrived to fight the blaze and traffic was disrupted for several hours. Small flames were still visible amid the wreckage several hours after the fire began, while firefighters wearing oxygen masks could be seen grappling with hoses amid twisted corrugated metal sheets and bent scaffolding. The cause of the blaze was not known as of last night.

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