Firefighters were this morning tackling a large blaze in a warehouse belonging to Sharjah's National Paints, the Emirate's largest manufacturer. Hundreds of people were evacuated from nearby homes and offices after the fire broke out just after 8am. A thick plume of black smoke could be seen for miles around. Civil defense officials, whose car was in danger of catching fire at one point, confirm two people injured, one firefighter and a worker. The injured were taken to Al Qassimi Hospital and later discharged after treatment for minor burns. Emergency crews at the scene said the fire was under control by midday.
The Dubai-bound carriageway of Emirates Road has been temporarily closed near the scene of the fire. Civil Defence forces from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Ajman were called to the scene to support crews from Sharjah. National Paints is expected to make a statement on the fire later today. ykakande@thenational.ae
