Tough times ahead for The Torch residents, say Tamweel Tower survivors

Residents of the Tamweel Tower, which was gutted by a fire in November 2012 are yet to see any repairs being made to their homes.

DUBAI // Residents who escaped the last major fire in a high rise tower in the emirate have warned those affected by the blaze at The Torch to be prepared for potentially tough times ahead before they can return to their homes and get on with their lives.

Images of more than 1,000 people fleeing the burning 87-storey residential building in Dubai Marina, one of the world's tallest, early on Saturday brought back unwanted memories for residents of Tamweel Tower, which was gutted by a fire on November 18, 2012.

Repairs are yet to get underway at the 34-storey building in Jumeirah Lakes Towers, with owners forced to rent while negotiations continue, an owner said.

“I actually went and visited The Torch because I was reminded of the Tamweel fire. I feel very, very sorry for all of them,” said the owner, who lived on the 28th floor. “We also had false fire alarms like they seem to have had. So when the fire actually happened in Tamweel, I couldn’t believe it was real. But then I looked out of the balcony and saw the fire.

“I know the agony we have gone through and I wish them the best and hope they don’t have to also deal with the long delays we faced to get the building repaired.”

Pallav Pancholi was among hundreds of Tamweel residents who raced down stairwells with their families to escape the blaze.

“I remember how scared everyone was and I really feel for them,” Mr Pancholi said. “I feel very sorry for The Torch residents and I hope they do not suffer like we have since last two years and hope they get their apartments to live in.”

The Tamweel fire was caused by a discarded cigarette, according to a police report. It ignited highly flammable cladding causing flames to spread up one side of the building. The cladding has since been banned in new buildings.

The cause of The Torch fire has yet to be determined.

Oman Insurance Company, The Torch’s insurer, said that 101 apartments of 676 were still not accessible and the affected owners and tenants could use alternate accommodation in hotels for a week.

The apartment owner has cautioned people living in towers to be proactive and ensure safety rules are enforced. “First of all people forget easily and remember this only after a fire.”

The JLT building where he now rents has placed notices cautioning residents about safety standards.

“They have again put notices in elevator and on the floors. People must be constantly reminded of dangers like never throwing a lit cigarette. I also remind people if I see anything because one person’s negligence can cost everyone dearly.”

There were 220 fires last year in Dubai, including apartments and villas, with most starting in the kitchen and balconies, according to Dubai Police.

Civil Defence chiefs have repeated warnings to residents not to barbecue or use sheesha on balconies, never leave gas cylinders on a balcony or leave a kitchen fire unattended and extinguish candles at night.

“It’s important people are aware of safety rules because it can save their life so they should not throw cigarettes, there should be no fires or flames on balconies, they should not forget lit candles, charcoal, forget food or oil left on the kitchen stove,” said Mahmoud Hamed, the Dubai Civil Defence spokesman.

Eight teams of 11 to 15 firefighters as well as drivers and support staff totalling more than 100 people helped to put out the fire at The Torch.

Security guards from the building knocked on doors alerting residents to leave before civil defence teams took over, said Mr Hamed.

Residents who lost passports or identity cards in the blaze should contact their employer’s HR departments for copies in order to start the application process for new documents from their consulates. They can then apply for the Emirates ID at any office. In case of a lost driver’s license, people should check the RTA’s website for details on how a replacement can be issued.