Smoke from Beirut port fire seen from nearby areas

A huge fire broke out Thursday at Port of Beirut, site of last month's catastrophic explosion which killed nearly 200 people and devastated parts of capital.

new fire nearly 40 days after blast triggered widespre panic among traumatized residents of area.

It wasn't immediately clear what caused blaze at facility, which was decimated by August 4 explosion when nearly 3,000 tons of ammonium nitrate detonated.

Lebanese army said fire started at a warehouse where oil and tyres are placed in duty free zone, ding that efforts to battle fire were ongoing.

A column of thick black smoke billowed from port at midday Thursday, with orange flames leaping from ground.

Smoke covered capital and firefighters and ambulances rushed to scene.

Army helicopters were taking part in efforts to extinguish fire.