20 May Over 2,000 fires in the UAE last year resulted in nine deaths and 89 injuries
Official figures have shown that nine people died in building fires in the UAE in 2021.
Additionally, 89 were injured during fires in buildings in the country. Of these, the data from the Ministry of Interior has shown that 18 were firefighters attending the scene.
The ministry said 2,090 building fires were recorded last year, up from 1,968 in 2020. The number of fires in residential properties rose from 1,277 in 2020 to 1,385 last year. The number of blazes in residential buildings, including villas and apartment blocks, increased by 8.4 per cent from the previous year.
Figures show that 775 fire incidents were reported in Abu Dhabi, followed by 364 in Dubai. Another 304 were reported in Ajman, 293 in Sharjah, 149 in Fujairah, 145 in Ras Al Khaimah and 60 in Umm Al Quwain. Nearly 44 per cent were registered as minor incidents. Major fires comprised only 1.2 per cent of all fire incidents.
As figures have increased, a fire chief in Sharjah has called on the public to follow safety rules. Col. Sami Al Naqbi, director general of Sharjah Civil Defence, said: “One of the most important causes of fires that occur in homes and apartments is failing to follow prevention and safety requirements.”
He warned people to ensure electrical appliances were working properly, cable connections in working order and that power supplies were not overloaded. He explained: “All these can cause short circuits that lead to causing fires.”
He also urged residents and citizens to ensure they have functioning fire extinguishers at home.
