JEDDAH, 2 January 2003 — A massive fire destroyed a large section of Mahmoud Saeed Commercial Center, one of the most extensive and popular souqs in Jeddah, in the early hours of the New Year.

The fire spread rapidly because of a strong wind, smoldering for four hours before being brought under control by a contingent of over 15 fire trucks, water tankers and a number of cranes. Firefighters managed to prevent the raging fire from spreading to businesses on the south side of the complex, located on Sitteen Street in the Al-Faisaliya district of the city.

The fire, said by locals to have been started by an electrical fault, erupted shortly after 12:30 am in a carpet store at the rear of the complex.

A large contingent of Civil Defense officials, ambulance crews and police personnel were at the scene of the fire within minutes, and two fire-fighters were later treated in hospital for smoke inhalation. No other casualty as reported.

The flames quickly spread to the adjoining Al-Nofaei Center for Curtains, Upholstery and Interior Design. Its top floor, used as a storage area, was gutted within minutes.

Flames simultaneously spread to the center’s amusement park, destroying two thirds of the children’s rides and the confectionary and gaming booths along with several small antique, interior decoration, upholstering, flowers, essences and scents businesses.

The billowing, black smoke from the fire could be seen from the other end of the city. Within minutes of it starting, the streets surrounding the commercial center were congested by huge crowds and bumper-to-bumper traffic, which delayed the arrival of back-up fire equipment.

Over 50 policemen used their cars to set up temporary road blocks, closing all the surrounding streets and redirecting traffic. Several people who crossed the police line had their iqamas and identification cards temporarily confiscated by the police, and were later issued with warning notices.

By late evening, electricity to the remaining businesses still had not been restored because of fears that the fires would reignite. As a result, neighboring businesses in the same city block remained closed.

On any given weekend night, this area of Sitteen Street would be chockablock with shoppers eager to sample the wares of local merchants while their children played in the amusement park. However, last night the area was flooded only with water and the charred skeletons of what once was a major family destination.