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Torch Tower fire: The man who's lived through it twice

Dubai - Residents gather under building on Friday to collect belongings

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Authorities in Dubai are working round-the-clock to rehabilitate residents of Dubai Marina's Torch Tower, who have been put up in three nearby hotels after Thursday night's huge fire that damaged 38 flats.
The area remains cordoned off by Dubai Police, who are allowing tenants to enter the building in batches to collect essentials and belongings from their apartments.
Torch Tower residents have gathered near the building, awaiting their turn to visit their flats, as police call out their flat numbers - allowing entry to one flat at a time.
Food and refreshments are being distributed among residents while they wait for their turn.
Talking to Khaleej Times, one resident revealed that this was the second fire he had been affected by while living in the Torch Tower.
"Luckily, this time around, I was travelling back from Saudi Arabia on Thursday night when I learned about the fire," said Alfanco Salomonsaz, a 46-year-old Indonesian resident, who lived on the 70th floor of the affected tower.
"After the first fire in 2015, I changed my flat in the building - only to be affected again. On getting news of the fire last night, I stayed at a friend's place."
However, amidst the tragedy, Salomonsaz was glad that he was travelling and his essential documents - including his passport - were safe.
"I have collected essential belongings from my flat," he added.

#TorchTower residents gather on Friday to collect belongings from their flats https://t.co/usmZCzLfpg #Dubai pic.twitter.com/VzQTtlwmPk
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 4, 2017

The junction leading to the tower had been closed, opening for brief intervals. Cartons of food were placed under the building for residents.
Many residents have collected their luggage, including ?Gunadit, ?a 54-year-old Indonesian, who lived on the 71st floor of the tower with his nephew.
"I ran down 71 floors when the fire broke out, with a backpack carrying whatever i could. My nephew was not home at the time as he was overseas.
"I visited my flat tonight and collected essential belongings."
He plans to return back home after this incident.
Recounting the incident, Bruno Barreto - a 30-year-old cabin crew member, said that he wasn't in the building when the fire erupted and had rushed to the building after a friend informed him about it.
"I am shocked as i having been to my flat and am waiting for my number to be called out, so i can collect essential items, including my passport.
"I fear i have lost most of my belongings. I plan to move out after collecting my items, despite having already paid my second rent cheque."
Working on a nearby plot, Pakistani construction worker Mohammed Zafar also recollected the moment when news of the fire spread in the area.
"Everybody panicked as the fire was rapidly spreading upwards due to the heat and wind."

#TorchTower resident recounts fire; lauds authorities for prompt action, help https://t.co/usmZCA2QgO #Dubai pic.twitter.com/4pFZwOxe5f
- Khaleej Times (@khaleejtimes) August 4, 2017

He also lauded authorities for their prompt action.
"Authorities (police and civil defence) immediately arrived at the site of the fire, cordoned off the area and stayed here till 7am."
sunita@khaleejtimes.com