SHARJAH // Firefighters tackling a blaze at a Sharjah tower block found the building’s fire hoses and alarms were faulty.
Crews had to take hoses and equipment to the top floors of the 32-storey building on October 1.
Sharjah Civil Defence’s director said that the fire systems and alarms did not work in Abdul Naser building on King Faisal Road. Firefighters cleared stacks of boxes and other items from the fire exits, which made it harder for residents to escape the building and hindered efforts to put the fire out.
“Due to the failure of the fire alarms, fire teams had to check each apartment to make sure that all residents were evacuated,” said Brig Abdullah Al Suwaidi. “Civil Defence teams found that the fire systems and alarms did not work, which made their job harder.”
The fire, which broke out at 1pm, forced 200 families from the building. They were sheltered temporarily by the Red Crescent.
According to Brig Al Suwaidi, inspectors are surveying old buildings and towers in the emirate to assure fire systems are up to standard.
“Maintenance companies and building owners who do not comply with the safety laws will have their licences revoked and [they will be] fined,” he said.
On Saturday, Civil Defence teams contained an electrical fire which broke out in an apartment building in Al Majaz area.
Another fire took hold in a furniture store in the Industrial Area 4. Firefighters were able to contain it.
Brig Al Suwaidi said his inspectors were cooperating with Sharjah Municipality and other bodies to make sure fire systems were working.
tzriqat@thenational.ae