Massive fire

Massive fire erupted on Randall Street from 8 AM onwards. It apparently started in Power Tech's warehouse/shop and then spread all the way to the Eagle building. Fire fighters, community members, and brave individuals managed to contain the fire. Needless to say, massive damages and losses were sustained. Don't know much damage and losses the shacks/slums/small houses at the back of Randall Street had. The raging fire was at the back of the main buildings but there was no way fire trucks could pass through those small lanes. It appeared like utter chaos at first. Huge crowds amassed in the street to watch the chaos, some of them started looting a small provisions shop. The police arrived much later. Our office was far from the fire but the apartment where NATC's managers/owners live, was only 3 buildings away. It was extremely close, as we stood in the street, watching the massive smoke billowing in the sky. For a good hour it felt like the fire would continue spreading. It was only at about 1030 AM when we could see the fire has been contained. Shops were closed. Mainly Lebanese owners stood and watched. Some of them opened their shops to bring out fire extinguishers. Some Lebanese young men could be seen on top of neighbouring buildings and even the fire trucks, working in a team, extending the fire hoses to reach the back of the building where the fire was raging from. Would the fire be stopped? Is our building next? We stood and watched in stress, grief, and anxiety. Hundreds and hundreds of people were on the street, screaming, shouting, gesturing. "There is only 1 nozzle." "The fire is coming oh" "They can't stop it." Folks living behind these buildings came out with their few belongings. No one knew exactly what is going on. The police came much later. Our housekeeper said she saw them take pictures. Why weren't the crowds dispersed for safety and to clear the street? Eventually we saw a huge canon shooting water. One of our neighbours, was smiling the whole time and told us that it will not reach our side. So many faces we know and come across because we've been living and working on Randall Street, were out and about, watching with grim, tight faces. What a stressful morning. For sure, we witnessed today how disorganised, unequipped the authorities are. For sure, we witnessed the death traps we are living in with unclear zoning areas (residential and business); no building standards; don't know who is storing what in their warehouses and whether safety precautions are used; no safety standards; no city protocols for such a situation; and, no sense of security. But at least we are safe and thankful.