With reporting from Peter Kovessy
For the second time in three weeks, a fire has broken out at the former Civil Defense building on Wadi Al Sail.
Thick black smoke could be seen billowing from the building this morning.
About 15 minutes after residents began sharing photos of the smoke online, the Ministry of Interior tweeted in Arabic that the fire has been contained. A tweet in English soon followed:
Civil Defence contains a limited fire at old Civil Defence bldg. (now under Museum Authority) at Wadi Sail. No injuries #MoI_Qatar #Qatar
— Ministry of Interior (@MOI_QatarEn) September 14, 2014
Speaking to Doha News, a supervisor on site said the fire began on the roof of the garage, and that an investigation would be conducted about its cause. However, a construction worker said the blaze began inside the garage.
Though the fire has been brought under control, traffic has been at a standstill due to the smoke, emergency vehicles and gawkers.
The building has been under construction for several months to be converted into a new arts center by Qatar Museums called “The Fire Station.”
In a statement sent to Doha News, QM said:
“Qatar Museums prides itself on its record of safe construction at the major museums projects currently being built in Doha. We do not anticipate major delays, as a result of these two most recent incidents, to the re-opening of the iconic Fire Station building as a major cultural arts centre for Qatar and the region.”
Previous fire
Last month, another fire broke out on the roof of the garage there, as a worker was using a torch to apply asphalt to the roof of the low-rise building.
Many residents who saw the smoke expressed disbelief that another fire occurred at the building in such a short time span:
Did the same building catch fire twice? Is there like a giant magnifying glass held to it?
— Sandeep Pamulapati (@PSandeepReddy) September 14, 2014
@dohanews #irony again? Fire at the fire station? #qatar
— Bright Thomas (@Brighthomas) September 14, 2014
Thoughts?
The contractor should be held accountable for such negligence! It worries me to see the same contractor behind most of the upcoming projects in Doha.
sad, but hilarious – Irony
How ironic… just tear it down, and build it new… seems otherwise they aren’t able to do it right… rather ironic that the fire station burnt twice within weeks, very ironic…
No need to tear it down, in a month the whole thing will be ashes.
Mean while Obama just heard about this news
Not sure if I should laugh or be angry.. This is a very sad joke…
It is quite obvious that the building is haunted.
The only thing obvious is incompetance
look at any Qatar construction site and the disgracefully poor cleanliness/rubbish etc and the only shock is that this is not commonplace – bring in and apply better working standards and less-fatigued workers and this would all but disappear !
Perhaps some naughty expats are using sorcery and black magic. The building could be repurposed as a “Defense Against the Dark Arts Center”.
Better yet a practice site for the civil defense fire dept lol.
Seems the BUILDING doesn’t want to change.
HOW IRONIC… 😀
Next in Qatar: “Fire breaks out on a firetruck ” followed by “Fire breaks out on water”
Once completed I don’t think I will venture to this site. Bad mojo there.
In related news, the Police HQ has reported a number of thefts from their building and they are clueles to who is responsible. Also the Ambulance service has reported an increase in car accidents involving its vehicles of over 500%, which has meant no ambulances have been available to treat the victims.
This just in, expat at champange infused brunch opts to have the non-alcoholic option, despite weird looks for all his friends.
wat happen with ur blog .. r u still writing
Only every now and then. I’m too busy developing Qatar these days and work has to take priority.
http://www.llivingfreeinqatarmimh.blogspot.ca/
i love to read it
Third time’s the charm they say.
Fire at the Fire station
Always fire, fire at Karwa 5 days ago and now fire at the old civil defence. The next fire will be at our doorsteps. Strange! Why always in Doha?
JUst drove past there and it looks like more smoke coming from the building. Surely it can’t happen a third time right?