Fire erupts in Beirut port area, a month after massive blast

A fire at Beirut port on Thursday sent up a large column of black smoke into the sky over the Lebanese capital a little more than a month since a massive blast devastated the port facilities and surrounding area.

A witness saw flames rising up in the devastated port area, although it was not immediately clear what caused the blaze, reports the Arab News.

Lebanon's army said its helicopters would be used to help extinguish the fire.

Governor of Beirut Marwan Abboud urged citizens not to come near the port in order to preserve their safety, and not to hinder the work of firefighters, Lebanon's state news agency NNA reported.

Live television footage showed one helicopter flying to the area, with a water container slung underneath.

The Aug. 4 explosion killed more than 190 people, injured around 6,500 and damaged thousands of buildings in the Lebanese capital.

The sight of another huge fire a month later created panic among residents traumatized by last month's explosion.

State-run National News Agency said the fire was at a warehouse where tires are placed. It added that firefighters are dealing with the blaze.