DUBAI // A fire on the construction site of a biotechnology research centre cast a pall of black smoke over a portion of the city on Wednesday morning.
The blaze, which started before lunchtime and was extinguished within hours, took place at Dubai Biotechnology and Research Park (DuBiotech), nearby the Motor City residential area.
The billowing plumes of smoke that rose from the twin tower development - currently still under construction - made the fire seem more serious than it was, a company spokesman said. In reality, damage was confined only to a corrugated iron shed that the company identified as the site office.
Five fire engines and an ambulance were at the scene, but no one was injured in the incident.
"We are currently working closely with the authorities to investigate the incident and its causes," said a spokesman for DuBiotech, which is owned by Tecom Investments.
"DuBiotech endorses stringent environment, health and safety policies that are designed to ensure the safety of individuals at all times. Employees and workers at the free zone are periodically updated on safety procedures for coping with any emergency situation."
Dubai Civil Defence was unavailable to comment.
