Huge fire breaks out in Ajman Industrial Area

Fire crews are battling a blaze which is believed to have started at a souq in the emirate of Ajman.

A nearby hospital was evacuated after a huge blaze broke out in Ajman.

Cloud smoke seen of the Fire erupted in Ajman Industrial area seen from Sheikh Ammar Road.

The fire is believed to have started at the Iranian souq in the emirate at about 6.30pm on Wednesday.

The site is near to Ajman Speciality Hospital and to a fruit and vegetable market in the industrial area.

The souq has been closed for several months due to Covid-19 safety measures.

Workers at the neighbouring market described how flames quickly engulfed the area.

The medical facility was evacuated as a precautionary measure due to the close proximity of the raging fire, which sent thick plumes of smoke billowing into the sky.

Police confirmed there were no casualties.

A massive blaze has broken out in Ajman.

The cause of the fire is not yet known.

The souq, which is home to dozens of traders, is a popular attraction in Ajman, drawing visitors from across the Emirates.

Rajab Elsawi, who owns the Khadem Fresh Meat store opposite to the souq, said he alerted emergency services after he saw a thick blanket of black smoke develop.

He started to remove road barriers in order to allow fire crews access to the scene.

"It is a one-way road and barriers were placed to stop drivers from travelling against the flow of traffic, so I removed them to facilitate access for civil defence and police vehicles.

"There are dozens of shops in that souq."

Another worker, who asked not to be named, said several people tried to put out the fire with fire extinguishers from their shops but were unable to contain the rapidly-spreading flames.

Ajman Civil Defence said the blaze had been brought under control at about 9pm.

They were assisted by crews from Dubai, Sharjah and Umm Al Quwain.

Major Gen Sheikh Sultan bin Abdullah Al Nuaimi, commander-in-chief of Ajman Police, said investigations were ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

He said 25 police cars were sent to the scene to support civil defence officers.