A fire gutted several auto spare parts and workshops at the Industrial (Auto Repair and Maintenance) Area I, southern district of Riyadh, today. No human losses were reported. Captain Abdullah Salih Al-Gifari, Information Spokesman of the Civil Defense for Riyadh Region, said the fire broke out at 15:40 and set ablaze auto spare parts and workshops over an area of approximately 100X30 meters. He attributed the quick spread of fire to neighboring workshops to strong winds, narrow passages, crowds of people and explosions of welding and refrigeration pipes. He said nine extinguishers and three rescue squads in addition to ladder-equipped vehicles were able to tow several vehicles and evacuate a number of stranded owners and laborers to safe havens. Red Crescent squads, security patrols and Saudi Electricity Company teams took part in the rescue operation, he added. Al-Gifari said an investigation into the cause of the fire was launched, calling on workshop owners to conduct periodical maintenance checks and install safety systems at their shops.
