Fire and smoke: Residents of 67-story building in Dubai evacuated without warning
A massive fire broke out in a 67-story apartment building in Dubai Marina on Friday, June 13, forcing the evacuation of about 4,000 residents. Many were surprised that the fire alarm did not sound, and most residents only learned about the fire after smelling smoke.
Witnesses reported that thick smoke quickly spread through the stairwells, forcing some residents to take risks and use the elevators despite the dangers. One resident on the 24th floor said he initially only smelled smoke, and there was no fire alarm: “We saw the firefighters from our balcony, but the real alarm came only after a friend called.”
Similar accounts were received from other residents. A resident on the 28th floor said: “The fire system didn’t work; we had to jump out in the elevator. It was dangerous.”
Many evacuees spent the night on the streets or sought shelter in hotels. Some sought medical attention for smoke inhalation. One resident said: “We don’t know what happened to our apartment; we’re still living in the hotel, and we’re glad we’re alive.”
Despite criticism of the security system, residents expressed gratitude to the rescuers, police, and medics who arrived quickly at the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and residents are demanding an explanation from the developer about the malfunctions in the alarm system. A massive fire broke out in a 67-story apartment building in Dubai Marina on Friday, June 13, forcing the evacuation of about 4,000 residents. Many were surprised that the fire alarm did not sound, and most residents only learned about the fire after smelling smoke.
Witnesses reported that thick smoke quickly spread through the stairwells, forcing some residents to take risks and use the elevators despite the dangers. One resident on the 24th floor said he initially only smelled smoke, and there was no fire alarm: “We saw the firefighters from our balcony, but the real alarm came only after a friend called.”
Similar accounts were received from other residents. A resident on the 28th floor said: “The fire system didn’t work; we had to jump out in the elevator. It was dangerous.”
Many evacuees spent the night on the streets or sought shelter in hotels. Some sought medical attention for smoke inhalation. One resident said: “We don’t know what happened to our apartment; we’re still living in the hotel, and we’re glad we’re alive.”
Despite criticism of the security system, residents expressed gratitude to the rescuers, police, and medics who arrived quickly at the scene. The cause of the fire is still under investigation, and residents are demanding an explanation from the developer about the malfunctions in the alarm system.
