Part of Dubai Creek up in flames after dhows catch fire - in pictures

No serious injuries were reported, although all three boats, which were to take their cargo to Iran, were destroyed. Courtesy: Government of Dubai Media Office

It took eight teams on shore and three specially equipped boats almost three hours to bring the fire under control. AP Photo / Kamran Jebreili

Flames could be seen from miles away, with those close to the scene clambering on to other boats along the wharf to see the smouldering and charred remains of the dhows. Satish Kumar / The National

“It is a very good thing that there were no serious injuries,” said Lt Col Rashid Al Buflaseh, Civil Defence general director office manager. “The fire spread because of multi-cargo on the shore...” Satish Kumar / The National

Information about the fire reached authorities at 3.04pm after which teams were dispatched, the colonel said. Courtesy @Halla1101 via Twitter

As the flames raged, worried owners gathered on the dock, standing amidst cartons of almonds and cashews waiting to be loaded onto boats, and boxes filled with water pump equipment.

Some watched in despair as their livelihoods went up in smoke. “I have lost everything, nothing is insured,” said Faraz, who estimated he had lost Dh600,000 worth of merchandise including refrigerators and batteries. “I’m in tension. I don’t know what to do. Everything is gone.” Courtesy @Halla1101 via Twitter

Officials said an estimate of losses would begin once the area was completely secured. Satish Kumar / The National

After the fire was contained, the wharf loading area was cooled and re-checked to prevent stray embers from reigniting material in the loading bay areas, officials said. Courtesy: Government of Dubai Media Office

Traffic flow to and from the creek was not affected. Courtesy: Government of Dubai Media Office

Part of Dubai Creek went up in flames on Monday afternoon after three dhows caught fire. Tyres, blankets, plastic items and boxes of food - all on the jetty - were among the items caught up in the blaze.