First Group to house Torch fire victims at hotels

Dubai-based property developer The First Group has offered to accommodate victims of the fire which destroyed 30 floors of the 86-storey Torch residential Tower in Dubai Marina.

It will provide 20 studio and one-bed apartments in its Metro Central and first Central hotels located in Dubai’s Tecom district.

Accommodation will be provided for up to two months free-of-charge.

Commenting on the initiative, The First Group joint chairman Danny Lubert said: “While the fire briefly drew the attention of the world’s media, the human tragedy behind the headlines remains very real for many of the Torch’s residents.

“As one of Dubai’s leading property developers, we felt it was our duty to give back to the community and assist these residents by providing them with short-term accommodation so they can go about rebuilding their lives.”

The fire took place in the early hours of February 21, leaving more than 100 apartments damaged and several residents homeless.

An investigation into the fire continues and some residents have not been allowed to return to their homes.

The First Group has committed to working with Kingfield Owner Association Management Services, which represents the interests of residents of the Torch.

The First Group Joint Chairman Gary Shepherd said he hoped the firm’s actions would inspire other corporations in Dubai to help those impacted.

“People’s lives have been forever altered by this catastrophe and I hope other organisations that are in a position to help will do so,” he said.