Fire engines, security patrols and ambulances services were summoned after a small outdoor section of a child care center accommodation in Fereej Al Nasr caught fire Monday evening.

An outdoor section of Bara Children Care on Al Andalus Street was on fire for over 30 minutes. Witnesses said there were no injuries or casualties. There were no children at the center as the fire broke out after working hours around 7 pm.

An ambulance arrived on scene 20 minutes after the fire broke out followed by the fire engine and security patrols. Residents living in the area tried to control the fire with buckets of water, but gave up eventually.

There was no major damage to the accommodation building. However, the fire briefly spread to a Qatari house that was under construction.

Several witnesses said the fire may have been caused by someone who was smoking there. A filipino expat working at the center confirmed that some people do smoke in that area of the facility. Investigations are still ongoing to determine the cause of the fire.

The employees living in the accommodation building, mostly expat women, were seen rushing out with some of their personal belongings.

The incident also caused major traffic back up on the street until Qatari residents took control of the situation and ushered motorists to keep moving.