Watch: 16 shops gutted in Abu Dhabi municipality souq fire

Abu Dhabi - The market is located behind the municipality building, and houses a number of trade stores, including an electrical equipment shop.

As many as 16 shops were gutted in a huge fire that ripped through the municipality market in Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi, on Friday at 3pm. No casualties have, however, been reported.
The market is located behind the municipality building, and houses a number of trade stores, including an electrical equipment shop.
Captain Abdullah Hamad Al Tamimi, head of media and public relations section in the Abu Dhabi General Department of Civil Defence said fire fighters from the civil defence rushed to the scene on being alerted of the incident.
"Eight teams from the civil defence rushed to the scene and contained the fire, thus preventing it from spreading to more shops," he said. Investigations are on to identify the cause of the fire, he added. As per initial reports, the fire has been rated as above average he said and stressed the need for adhering to rules and regulations by trade establishments.
Captain Tamimi appreciated the public for cooperating with the fire fighters and helping out with the cooling operations.
The air support department cooperated with its drones by transmitting live the scene to decision makers, while the air wing of the Abu Dhabi Police helped out by distributing the required materials.
reporters@khaleejtimes.com 

• Abu Dhabi