DUBAI // There were 254 fires reported in the emirate in the first seven months of the year, just seven less than during the same period last year.
Maj Gen Rashid Al Matroushi, director general of Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), said there were no fatalities in any of the blazes and only three injuries.
He said most fires had occurred in Al Barsha, predominantly between 1pm and 2pm. The majority of these were small with very little material damage and no injuries.
The overall number of fires had fallen thanks to two safety campaigns, the National Campaign for Families’ Home Safety and the National Campaign for Safety in Industrial Areas, according to Maj Gen Al Matroushi. He said public awareness and adherence to safety guidelines was essential.
“This is because the individual on site is the first respondent before the civil defence team arrives. Complying with safety requirements for all buildings .. ensures a safe environment that prevents fires and risks.”
Maj Gen Al Matroushi said electronic protection systems in more than 37,000 buildings and facilities in Dubai, were managed from the DCD operations room.
“This system allows for immediate response to the fire through an alarm that alerts people to the danger zone. Also, automatic fire sprinkler systems ensure the fire is immediately suppressed until the arrival of the civil defence team.”
dmoukhallati@thenational.ae