A massive fire broke out at Sulafa Tower in Dubai Marina on the evening of February 8, 2025, marking the third incident at the 81-story residential high-rise. The Dubai Civil Defence responded immediately, bringing the blaze under control and ensuring the safe evacuation of all residents. No casualties have been reported.
Fire Incident Details & Emergency Response
Eyewitness Accounts & Initial Reports
The fire reportedly started in one of the upper floors, quickly spreading due to strong winds. Eyewitnesses described thick black smoke billowing from the tower as alarms rang through the building, prompting hundreds of residents to evacuate via the emergency staircases.
Local authorities, including Dubai Police and emergency medical teams, cordoned off the area to prevent injuries and ensure swift containment of the fire. Video footage circulating on social media showed firefighters scaling the high-rise using aerial ladders, working tirelessly to douse the flames.
Dubai Civil Defence’s Rapid Intervention
The Dubai Civil Defence received the fire alert at approximately 8:45 PM and dispatched multiple firefighting units from nearby stations, including:
- Al Barsha Fire Station
- Al Marsa Fire Station
- Jebel Ali Fire Station
The firefighters successfully contained the blaze within an hour, preventing further damage to neighboring towers.
History of Fires at Sulafa Tower
Sulafa Tower, one of Dubai Marina’s tallest residential buildings, has suffered multiple fire incidents in the past.
- 2012: A fire broke out in the tower’s upper floors, causing significant damage.
- 2016: Another blaze erupted, prompting authorities to review safety protocols in the high-rise sector.
- 2025: The latest fire incident reinforces ongoing concerns over fire safety in older residential towers.
Potential Cause & Fire Safety Measures
Although the official cause of the fire is yet to be confirmed, preliminary reports suggest that it may have been sparked by an electrical fault or a balcony-related fire hazard, such as improperly disposed cigarette butts.
Following this incident, the Dubai Municipality and Civil Defence authorities are expected to re-evaluate safety regulations for high-rise buildings, ensuring stricter enforcement of:
- Regular fire drills & emergency preparedness programs
- Mandatory inspections of fire safety systems
- Enhanced awareness campaigns on balcony fire hazards
Authorities have reiterated the importance of strict adherence to fire safety protocols and have urged all residents to immediately report any fire hazards to prevent future incidents.
Impact on Residents & Community Response
Many residents expressed concern over the recurring fires, with some questioning the building’s fireproofing measures and emergency response systems. Several families were temporarily displaced, with authorities arranging emergency accommodations for affected tenants.
A resident of the 47th floor shared:
"We were woken up by the fire alarms and saw smoke filling the hallway. The building’s security staff helped guide us to the emergency exits. It was terrifying, but we’re thankful for the quick response from the firefighters."
Dubai authorities have assured residents that they will conduct a thorough investigation into the incident to identify potential lapses in fire safety and implement preventive measures to protect residents in the future.