First responders have been putting out a massive blaze near a furniture store on Salwa Road in Qatar this evening.
The fire swelled around 7:30pm this evening at what the Gulf Times reports was the Al Sharq Curtain Shop, located between Studio Qatar and an under-construction building.
The blaze was near the Teyseer Petrol Station. Thick smoke could be seen billowing near the area, according to witnesses driving as far as Dar Al Salam mall.
One Qatar resident posted this video of the fire:
At 9:30pm, the Ministry of Interior said on Twitter that Civil Defense was cooling the fire site, and there were no injuries:
الدفاع المدني يسيطر على حريق في محل تجاري بطريق سلوى دون مصابين ، وتجري الآن عمليات التبريد#الداخلية_قطر
— وزارة الداخلية – قطر (@MOI_Qatar) August 8, 2014
Hours before that, residents reported that the blaze was almost under control:
https://twitter.com/7man92/status/497790568806633473/photo/1
#fire accross #QatarDecoration now seems under control
— Ash OM (@ash_0m) August 8, 2014
Traffic appears to be congested in the area, due to a partial road closure:
Salwa road between midmac flyover and Qatar Decoration to be closed for safety. cc @dohanews @iloveqatar #Doha #Qatar
— Gazan Khan (@acepilotkhan) August 8, 2014
Does anyone know more? Thoughts?
Note: This article has been corrected to reflect the fire originated next to a furniture store, not in it.
normality when private contractor asks to erect a building that should cost lets say 1miilion$ and take 12 months to built, and forced to do it for 300 thousands in 3 months…and if you are lucky you get paid….no,going to the tribunal would not be an option because maybe you get the money after 5 years.
happy no one got hurt
There is some fantastic artwork in Studio Qatar. I myself go there to get my paintings framed. I really hope nothing was destroyed
Doha is being built in the super modern time. Most of the buildings are very modern. What I couldn’t understand or know is there are always fire accidents.Lots of property has been destroyed. What is the reason? Could it be due to undetected construction error in the electrical installation? Could it be negligence? Could it be sabotage???
My understanding is that some of the building materials here are banned for use in Europe / USA. Also getting unqualified people to build and wire places.That might be a clue.
I heard that too about the cladding on buildings?? Some caught fire in Dubai?? Residential towers made of flammable cladding…
About a year ago the topic came up at an international convention on construction held in the Middle East. An expert said that the cladding used on many of the buildings here is like paper when it burns and it is only a matter of time until there is a large building fire with massive loss of life. I do not want to misquote what was said so please someone correct me if I have done so.
I remember that as well Huzz. I can’t remember the exact specifics, but I think you are right on track. It’s pretty scary…
My wife refuses to live in a high rise over here for this very reason, despite having worked in the Canada Life building in London for many years so she is used to being high so to speak.
Qatar does not have a Building Code like those we are accustomed to in other countries like the US, Canada, and Europe. Some owners mandate that their construction contractors to comply with international codes; others do not, as obviously that will cost them more. Unfortunately you get what you pay for… I did hear at one point Qatar was going to increase their minimum standards, but I hadn’t heard any thing recently, so not sure if that’s happening.
Anyone know if Qatar has licensed/qualified Plumbers, electricians etc? Or is it a case of anyone can give it a go? Just curious, I’ve had a plumber come and seriously doubt he did 3 year apprenticeship, got a qualification etc.
If the work done at my place is anything to go by then I would consider myself more qualified to do the work.
Short answer is NO. I could get more into it, but I’m sure no one wants to hear me go on a tirade.
This is terrible news! I know the owner and many of the employees of Al Sharq shop. My heart goes out to all of those affected by this fire. I just hope that they can find ways of continuing business as quickly as possible.
Difficult to find other than cheap Chinese made electrical fittings, plugs, flex cords, etc. since being here we have had several explode in the house. Don’t leave anything on/ plugged in at night or when away!