MADINAH, 4 August 2004 — A massive fire gutted a number of shops selling gift items and accessories here yesterday but did not cause any human casualties, the Civil Defense Department said.
Firefighters contained the blaze before it spread to surrounding areas, it added.
Three firefighting teams and three rescue teams took part in the operation, the department said, adding that the fire was brought under control in a record time. Rescue teams evacuated people from a nearby hotel and a commercial center.
