Fires break out at Jebel Ali and in Dubai Marina tower

Warehouse fire in Jebel Ali Free Zone Area follows early-morning Dubai Marina tower fire, which forced the evacuation of 700 units.

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Firefighters are fighting to control a large fire that has broken out at a warehouse in the Jebel Ali Free Zone Area.

According to a Dubai Civil Defence official, the fire started in garbage around 1.30pm and spread to a nearby storage area.

"We do not know what is burning but fire trucks from several stations have gone there," he said.

Thick plumes of smoke could be spotted from the Sheikh Zayed Road motorway. Several people have tweeted after seeing the smoke, warning motorists to be careful.

The fire is the second to break out in Dubai today.

Another fire broke out on the 36th floor of the Sulafa Tower in the Dubai Marina around 5.30am, forcing residents to evacuate.

"We initially thought it was a false alarm," said Dana, a resident of the 51st floor of the building. "When it didn't stop, I took the stairs down with my two kids and husband. I was very scared taking the steps down. A man was carrying an old lady and walking down. It was not a pleasant day," she said.

Residents from more than 700 flats were evacuated from the 76-storey tower. They were allowed to return only after 9am.

"No one was hurt," said Raju Damang, security supervisor of Sulafa Tower.

"The kitchen and balcony were burnt. We don't know the source of the fire. Police are questioning the residents," he said.