Fire Breaks Out at Marina Pinnacle, Dubai: A Night to Remember
A dramatic incident unfolded late Friday night when a fire broke out at Marina Pinnacle, a towering 67-storey residential and commercial building located in Dubai Marina. The rapid action of emergency services ensured the safe evacuation of over 3,800 residents, as reported by Khaleej Times.
Evacuation Efforts
The Dubai Media Office (DMO) shared updates via X (formerly Twitter), confirming that 3,820 residents living in 764 apartments were successfully evacuated without any injuries. Civil Defence teams, comprising specialized firefighters, worked tirelessly for nearly six hours to extinguish the fire and ensure safety.
In the early hours of Saturday, DMO highlighted the efficiency of these teams: “Specialised teams successfully evacuated all residents from the 67-storey building, prioritising their health and safety throughout the operation.” Updates revealed that by around 2.21 AM, all individuals had been accounted for and relocated to safety.
Sequence of Events
Eyewitness accounts shed light on the early moments of the fire. The blaze reportedly ignited shortly after 9.30 PM, and one resident on the 49th floor recounted the panic that ensued. “I woke up to the smell of smoke,” she said. “I heard my housemates calling me and we hurriedly went down the building in our pyjamas.” Many residents noted the presence of thick smoke emanating from the upper floors, leading to a swift response by authorities.
Despite their efforts, firefighters were still battling the flames an hour post-eruption. Video footage captured during the crisis depicted flames aggressively spreading to multiple higher floors, painting a concerning picture of the unfolding disaster.
Medical Assistance and Support
Ambulance crews and medical personnel were on-site to assist residents who might have been affected by the emotional and physical toll of the incident. The DMO assured that they were providing necessary medical and mental health services to support those in need.
Outside, residents awaited further updates in the uncomfortable humidity of the night. Many could be seen carrying their pets, seeking refuge from the chaos. One woman even made her way towards the nearby Marina Towers Tram Station, still grappling with the overpowering smell of smoke.
A History of Incidents
This latest fire is not an isolated occurrence for Marina Pinnacle. In May 2015, a kitchen-related incident on the 47th floor sparked a fire that subsequently spread to the floor above. At that time, Dubai Civil Defence managed to take control of the situation, highlighting the building’s previous vulnerabilities.
Adding to local concerns, Marina Pinnacle is situated close to The Torch, another high-rise notorious for experiencing two significant fires in 2015 and 2017. On the same night as the Marina Pinnacle fire, a separate incident involving a car fire was reported at Sulafa Tower’s parking, raising alarms among residents and authorities alike.
Ongoing Measures
In the aftermath of the fire, officials are collaborating with the building’s developer to arrange temporary accommodations for those displaced. The community’s resilience in the face of such crises becomes paramount as residents come to terms with the event and plan for their immediate future.
Efforts to cool down the affected areas continue, with authorities monitoring the situation closely. As smoke still lingers in the vicinity, control measures are firmly in place, and the fire has been effectively managed by those on the ground. Safety protocols are being evaluated, especially given the building’s history of fire-related incidents.
