The cause of the Beirut fire remains unknown but people claim it is related to the August 4th explosion. Nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate detonated causing a shock wave explosion in the area. The impact was felt miles away from the scene itself where windows, doors, and walls were blasted.
At midday, a column of black smoke rose from the port with orange flames leaping from the ground. The fire is reported to originate from a warehouse where oil and tires are placed in the duty-free zone at the port. The Lebanese army says they are fighting the fire and army helicopters are involved in the operation.
Residents, still getting over last month’s explosion, opened their windows to warn each other of the new threat. Companies with employees in the area told them to vacate the place for their own safety. Major roads entering and leaving the area were closed off by the Lebanese troops. This helped the fire engines to get to the scene easily without any traffic interference.
A video earlier on circulated on the internet showing employees at the port running away just as the fire broke out. This is, however, the second fire to breakout at the port this very week.
The first happened on Tuesday and it caused a little panic but it was easily extinguished.
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