logo
Watch: Major warehouse fire under control after 3-hour battle in Oman's Barka Industrial Area

Watch: Major warehouse fire under control after 3-hour battle in Oman's Barka Industrial Area

Khaleej Times5 days ago

A massive fire broke out early this morning at a warehouse located in the industrial area of the Wilayat of Barka in the Governorate of South Al Batinah, Oman.
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Department teams promptly responded to the incident and immediately moved in to douse the fire. According to official sources, emergency responders from South Al Batinah were joined by firefighting teams from the neighbouring governorates of Muscat and North Al Batinah.
After nearly three hours, the blaze was brought under control before it could spread to adjacent facilities. The prompt action by the Civil Defence teams significantly minimised the potential damage that could have occurred had the fire reached nearby units.
The firefighting team have started the cooling operations to ensure the area was completely safe and to prevent any chance of the blaze reigniting. No injuries or casualties have been reported so far.
Oman

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sharjah: Man helps extinguish fire with own crane, honoured for heroic act
Sharjah: Man helps extinguish fire with own crane, honoured for heroic act

Khaleej Times

time6 hours ago

  • Khaleej Times

Sharjah: Man helps extinguish fire with own crane, honoured for heroic act

An Asian resident of Sharjah has been awarded for his heroic act of assisting in extinguishing a vehicle fire. Brigadier Yousef Obaid Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, honoured the man after he volunteered to use his private vehicle — a crane — to help extinguish the fire. The fire erupted in a waste transportation company's vehicle in one of the industrial areas of the emirate. As soon as he saw the blaze, he volunteered his own crane to be used with Civil Defence vehicles. His act helped reduce the chances of the fire spreading and facilitated the firefighters' task of controlling the fire in record time with no casualties. Brigadier Al Shamsi praised the resident's courage and quick action, stressing that his efforts reflect a societal awareness that contributes to supporting Civil Defence efforts and reducing losses.

Dubai: Tenants of fire-hit Marina tower face long queues, uncertainty over flat access
Dubai: Tenants of fire-hit Marina tower face long queues, uncertainty over flat access

Khaleej Times

time2 days ago

  • Khaleej Times

Dubai: Tenants of fire-hit Marina tower face long queues, uncertainty over flat access

Twelve days after the fire at Tiger Tower in the Marina high-rise, dozens of residents are still facing difficulties retrieving their belongings. Nearly every day since the incident on June 13, people have lined up outside the building, hoping to be allowed inside. However, the process has been slow and frustrating. Even now, on the 12th day, the situation remains challenging. Long queues, people cutting in line, and the intense heat are among the main issues causing distress. 'Waiting for hours' SP, a 30-year-old HR manager, shared that she and her husband have been coming almost daily. On Wednesday, they arrived at 7am, and were still waiting to be let in hours later. 'Initially, authorities used a different system, where residents had to register and wait for their flat number to be called.' However, many complained that the numbers were being called at random, with no clear order or reasoning. Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels. 'Now, it appears the system has shifted to a first-come, first-served basis — though even that approach has brought its own problems,' added SP. SP expressed frustration over the lack of organisation in managing the queues, calling the experience exhausting and chaotic. 'We've been here since 7am, but those who cut the lines are already inside. The security didn't really care for the queue.' Meanwhile, ML, a 50-year-old Egyptian expat, has also been queuing regularly — but not for her own belongings. As the owner of three apartments in the building, she's been coming back day after day to collect her tenants' things. 'They're already overwhelmed and without a home,' she said. 'The least I can do is help them get their stuff.' 'Want to check if my things are okay' For some residents, the frustration isn't just about waiting in line, it's also about not knowing when, or if, they will even get a chance to go inside. 'I have been coming here every single day just to get a glimpse of my flat,' said Ramesh, an Indian expat who lives on the 26th floor. 'I know the fire didn't reach my apartment, but I want to see it with my own eyes. I just want to check if my things are okay, even from outside the door.' He explained that earlier, there was a token system where residents had to wait for their flat numbers to be called. 'That was confusing. Today, they told us it's now on a first-come, first-served basis. So we came early, but still, there's no guarantee we'll get in.' 'Unfair system' Another resident, Amira, a Lebanese, said she hasn't been allowed inside even once, not even for a minute. 'I know people who have paid visit to their flats for more than 10 times,' she said. 'I haven't had the chance even once.' She feels the system has been unfair. 'Some are going every day because they know the watchman or have connections. What about the rest of us? We are all waiting in the same heat. We all lost access to our homes. We deserve the same chance.' Then there are those who just want a bit of clarity and peace of mind. Vara, a Georgian expat, was inside her apartment when the fire broke out. She managed to evacuate safely, leaving behind her belongings — including essential work items. Just days later, she had to travel to her home country for a scheduled work trip, where she was responsible for guiding a group of UAE tourists. 'I was in the building during the fire and had to leave a few days later for the tour,' she said. ' Everything I needed for my trip — my laptop, files, souvenirs, was left behind. I had to borrow a laptop and reprint documents just to make it happen. It wasn't easy, but I didn't want to let anyone down.' After completing the trip successfully, Vara returned to Dubai and began trying to access her apartment. 'But I still haven't been able to go in. I need to get back to work properly, and all my personal and office items are still inside. I just want to collect what I can and start putting things back together.' Security clarifies Ali, a 29-year-old security supervisor from Pakistan who has been working in the building for two years, explained the reason behind the checks. "The process is not slow," he said. "We are just making sure that everyone in the queue is actually going into their own apartments." According to him, the security team verifies residents' documents to ensure that unauthorised individuals aren't gaining access. "This is also done to avoid theft," he added. Ali mentioned that the number of people passing through the queue is significant. "On average, around 400 people queue every day," he said, noting that the queue closes daily at 4pm. Since the fire, Ali has taken on even more responsibility. "I've been working overtime and I'm on call 24/7, just in case something happens and I need to deal with it," he said. "As a supervisor, it's my job to make sure everything runs smoothly and safely."

Oman: 2nd Taqah Agricultural Forum to promote food security and rural development
Oman: 2nd Taqah Agricultural Forum to promote food security and rural development

Zawya

time2 days ago

  • Zawya

Oman: 2nd Taqah Agricultural Forum to promote food security and rural development

TAQAH: The Wilayat of Taqah in Dhofar Governorate hosted the second edition of the Agricultural Forum on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, bringing together farmers, agricultural experts, government officials, and private sector partners to promote sustainable agriculture and support national food security efforts. The two-day forum, organised by the Office of the Wali of Taqah in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Water Resources, aims to strengthen local farming practices, improve productivity, and expand rural economic opportunities. In his opening remarks, the Wali of Taqah affirmed that hosting the forum reflects the region's commitment to advancing sustainable agriculture as a cornerstone of food security and economic resilience. The Office of the Wali described the event as a platform for dialogue, knowledge exchange, and practical solutions to agricultural challenges, particularly in light of climate change and economic transitions. The Wali's Office also praised the collaborative efforts of farmers, government institutions, and private stakeholders, calling for sustained coordination and strategic planning to develop productive projects that enhance rural livelihoods and ensure national food security. Experts participating in the forum highlighted Dhofar's unique environmental advantage—its annual monsoon season, known locally as Khareef. The seasonal rains, which transform the Dhofar landscape from June to September, offer a valuable opportunity to revive traditional farming cycles and expand crop production. 'Historically, families in the Dhofar highlands have relied on Khareef as the beginning of their agricultural year,' said one agricultural expert. 'It provided rain-fed soil conditions ideal for growing crops and supporting livestock. Revitalising this seasonal pattern using modern techniques could enhance food security in a climate-resilient way.' One local farmer from the rural highlands of Dhofar spoke about the untapped potential of mountain agriculture. 'The highlands are fertile and suitable for cultivation, but they require effort and sustained support,' he said. 'Agricultural knowledge plays a major role in improving yields. We hope the government will allocate more land in mountainous areas to help farmers expand cultivation and increase productivity.' Throughout the day, attendees took part in technical sessions and working papers covering a range of topics, including pest control strategies, genetic improvements in livestock, and methods to enhance the value of local agricultural products. Other presentations explored how home-based farms and rural entrepreneurs can contribute to economic diversification and social development. The forum also included an agricultural exhibition showcasing local produce, agri-tech solutions, and services from public and private entities. Participating organisations included the Ministry of Agriculture, Dhofar Municipality, the SME Development Authority, and private agricultural suppliers. Farmers displayed a wide variety of high-quality products such as organic fruits and vegetables, natural honey, dairy goods, and livestock. Experts praised these goods for their quality and potential competitiveness in both domestic and regional markets. Participants agreed that Oman's agricultural sector is gaining momentum, supported by targeted policies, local innovations, and strategic investment. Stakeholders stressed the need for modern farming technologies, access to finance, and increased awareness of climate-smart agriculture. By linking local knowledge with advanced practices, events like this forum help position agriculture not only as a source of food but as a key pillar of economic diversification, rural employment, and national resilience. The forum will continue on June 25 with further panel discussions, capacity-building workshops, and policy dialogue. Sessions will address water management, market access, sustainable supply chains, and agricultural entrepreneurship for young Omanis. As Dhofar enters its monsoon season, the timing of this forum underscores a deeper message: Oman's future food security may well depend on how it integrates tradition, innovation, and environmental stewardship in its farming policies.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store