Egypt investigates massive fire at iconic Al-Ahram film studio in Giza

The Egyptian prosecutor general’s office has opened an investigation into the cause of a massive fire that destroyed parts of the iconic 80-year-old Al-Ahram film studio, as flames damaged several residential buildings around the site, leaving dozens of families without homes.

The fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday, destroying the location of an Egyptian alley inside the 27,000-square-metre site, leaving at least 10 injured, including two firefighters. No fatalities were reported. It took at least 40 fire trucks to extinguish for over six hours, according to local news outlets.ِ

About half a dozen residential buildings nearby, in the Al-Haram neighbourhood in Giza province, west of the capital Cairo, sustained major damages and were evacuated accordingly. 

Prime Minster Mostafa Madouly ordered that each family receive 15000 Egyptian pounds (about $US 310) to help them rent temporary places until their homes are repaired.   

A location, mimicking a local Egyptian alley, where part of the show was being shot, has completely been ravaged.

Videos and pictures that showed the severity of the fire went viral on social media shortly following the incident.

Madbouly and Minister of Culture Nevine El-Kilany visited the site for an impact assessment of the damage.

A technical committee of experts has been formed to assess the damages and work on a renovation plan for the studio and the ravaged buildings.  

Preliminary findings, meanwhile, ruled out a possible foul play, suggesting the incident was caused by a short circuit.

But a witness, who lives close to the site, told The New Arab that fireworks had been used while shooting El-Moalem (The Master), a Ramadan TV series, which reportedly initiated the fire, further intensified by materials used in the décor, mainly fabric, foam and wood.

The show's director, Morkos Adel, told domestic news outlets that the cast, which included Egyptian superstar Mostafa Shaaban, had already left before the fire broke out.

"We have always reported such risks, which we could see from our balconies, to the local municipality but our complaints have never been taken seriously," the witness said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

One of the oldest and most prestigious film production houses in the Arab World, Ahram Studio was established in 1944 during WWII, and divided into three production stages that saw the creation of over 500 major TV and cinema works.

The fire is expected to impact a high season of several works screened during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and films expected to be released during Eid Al-Fitr.