Fire consumes UAQ shops

The blaze destroyed property worth Dh1 million, including four vehicles.

UMM AL QAIWAIN // Three shops, a used car showroom and four vehicles were destroyed in a fire yesterday in the emirate's old industrial area that caused an estimated Dh1 million in damage. The fire started in the showroom at about 8am and required three hours to control, said Lt Col Hassan bin Salam, the director general of the UAQ Civil Defence.

There were no deaths or injuries. Rescue teams assisting UAQ Police managed to evacuate residents and workers from the area. "The fire was able to spread to the neighbouring shops because of their shared roofs made of asbestos sheets, but still we don't know the exact cause of the fire," Col bin Salam said. An investigation is under way. Abdul Muni'm al Bustanji, an owner of a spare parts shop that was gutted, said his loss was about Dh400,000. "At the time of the fire, my two employees were inside the shop and police helped them to vacate the shop, which had been covered in smoke in just minutes," he said.

"I will seek insurance compensation once the police are through with their investigations." Authorities were undertaking a fire safety awareness campaign to remind residences and business owners to be aware of fire risks, Col bin Salam said. @Email:[e-mail]