Six injured in Sharjah fire

SHARJAH — At least six people, including two each from Sharjah Civil Defence and Sharjah Police sustained minor burn injuries when a major fire erupted at the Al Sakhr Furniture Factory in Sharjah Industrial Area-4 yesterday. The fire erupted suddenly at around 1.15 pm.

Two labourers working in the factory also sustained minor burns. No other casualties were reported.

The authorities disclosed that the factory had no fire fighting mechanism or fire alarm device on its premises. The injured were rushed to Al Qasimi Hospital where they were immediately treated for burns and suffocation. They were later all discharged.

The Sharjah fire fighters rushed to the spot after a tip off from one of the factory’s labourers. With the blaze soaring nearly 10 metres above the factory, the Dubai Civil Defence was also asked to rush and help in the fire-fighting operation. Initial loss estimates in terms of damage to the furniture factory and its stored goods reportedly involves millions of dirhams. Civil Defence officials later said the fire was completely extinguished within about three hours time.