JEDDAH: A devastating fire has ravaged large parts of Jeddah International Market, one of the largest markets in the governorate.
Two firefighters died while performing their duties to extinguish the fire at the famous market, which broke out at 6 a.m. on Sunday, according to the Civil Defense.
More than 20 firefighting units were pressed into service to contain the rapidly spreading flames as the market in the Al-Rawdah district was partially engulfed in smoke.
The blaze was brought under control after nearly 12 hours, but not before a large number of stalls and shops were razed to the ground, with their owners left standing helplessly in the parking lot.
No one was at the market when the incident occurred in the early hours of the day.
Moammar Al-Awidy, an owner of a cafe and an electronics shop, told Arab News that he received a call from one of his employees at 8 a.m. with the shocking news.
“I rushed to the market but could not get anywhere because local authorities advised us to stay away from the area due to the possibility of smoke poisoning. Although there were no fatalities or injuries, the northern side of the market was seriously affected,” he said.
Al-Awidy said that, according to witnesses, the suspected main reason for the fire was a new store undergoing decoration near gate No. 4. “It started there and spread to the nearest stores and other Asian restaurants.”
Witnesses said flames spread quickly to several stores in the market, home to private boutiques, restaurants and market stalls.
Witness Omar Ba-Jamal, who works in a phone accessories shop, said: “The fire was moving very fast. We were all watching, but we were scared the fire could spread to other stores at any time since there are restaurants with kitchens nearby.”
Fahad Al-Ahmdi, who works at a jewelry store, said: “I arrived at 9 a.m. as usual for work and, on my way, I noticed the flames in the sky but never thought it was our market. It was like a disaster movie happening in front of my eyes; I have never seen anything like it. Unfortunately, our store was affected by the fire.”
The market, popularly known as Jeddah International Market, was established in 1981 and features unique classical designs on the outside, while the inside has luxurious decorations, waterfalls and water fountains that resemble small lakes.
It includes approximately 200 shops that serve market visitors and features shops with a long history of trading in the most famous local and international brands, such as electronics, jewelry, clothing and watches, as well as a few Asian restaurants. Recently the market included gold shops.
