THE LATEST:
A spokesperson for the civil defense agency in the Dubai Creek area said there have not yet been any deaths or injuries, although firefighters are reportedly having trouble putting out the fire. At least five fire stations have dispatched crews to the area.
There are reports that ashes from the burning dhows are floating up to the balconies of structures at Oud Metha. The earliest reports indicated that only three or four boats were on fire. Two of the boats were reportedly supply boats, many of which were carrying food. Their cargo was seen floating in the water.
Some of the photos suggest that some of the buildings on the pier next to the dhows could be on fire as well, although all the dark, billowing smoke makes it very difficult to tell. There is no confirmation yet that any buildings are on fire. We have reached out to our contact in the Dubai Creek area and are awaiting a response.
Fire at #DubaiCreek #DubaiFire pic.twitter.com/uC4hq7K4OW
— Kashif Baig (@kashif_baig) July 13, 2015
Here’s another video from 7 Days UAE:
Fire ongoing at #Dubai Creek pic.twitter.com/D8J1g9O70N
— 7DAYSUAE (@7DAYSUAE) July 13, 2015
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Time Out Dubai posted this photo of the fire on Twitter:
Rather scary images circulating on Twitter of a huge fire at Dubai Creek. This, via @InsiyaE. We hope everyone is OK pic.twitter.com/XywlBHzeWc
— Time Out Dubai (@TimeOutDubai) July 13, 2015
Twitter is alive with postings from Dubai residents who are tweeting updates and photos showing the dark smoke. Some are reporting that the amount of smoke is increasing, which may suggest that the fire is spreading. At least one Twitter user said the Dubai Creek fire can be seen as far away as Bur Dubai. Also this YouTube video showing the fire scene was uploaded to YouTube.
A number of dhows were on fire in Deira Creek on Monday afternoon. Reportedly,eyewitnesses told Emirates 24/7 that the fire erupted at around 4 p.m. and several boats were on fire.
According to local news sources, a large number of civil defense vehicles could also be seen queuing along the Dubai Creek to put the blaze. The black smoke billowing from the burning dhows can be seen as far as from Sheikh Zayed Road.
