The Fujairah Civil Defense Department recently disclosed concerning statistics regarding fire incidents in the emirate. Shockingly, the past year witnessed a surge in fatalities and injuries due to fires.
In total, nine individuals lost their lives and 90 others suffered injuries across 684 fire-related incidents. Of particular concern is the staggering 53% increase in residential fires in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Fatalities and injuries
Tragically, fatalities occurred not only in residential settings but also in commercial and industrial buildings, transportation vehicles, and public facilities. Residential fires alone claimed five lives, while commercial areas saw two fatalities and three injuries. Public facilities and services were not spared, with four deaths and 52 injuries reported. The Fujairah Civil Defense Department played a crucial role in managing these crises, intervening in 224 residential fires, resulting in five injuries. Moreover, they tackled 226 fires in public facilities and services, leading to four deaths and 52 injuries. Additionally, 55 fires in commercial zones were brought under control, resulting in two fatalities and three injuries.
Transportation-related fires accounted for 55 accidents, claiming one life, while industrial areas witnessed eight fire incidents resulting in two fatalities. Mountain and desert fires, though less frequent, still posed risks, causing five injuries from 36 reported fires. An alarming trend emerged in farm-related fire incidents, with 25 reported cases in the past year, a notable increase from eight incidents in the previous year. Negligence, primarily improper disposal of agricultural waste through burning, contributed significantly to these incidents, often necessitating the intervention of civil defense teams to extinguish the resulting fires.
Although there was an alarming increase in fire occurrences, there was a notable decline in drowning accidents in the Emirate of Fujairah, which is a good indicator for public safety. Drowning incidents dropped by an astounding 57% from the previous year, according to information from the Judicial and Security Information Department.
Successful prevention efforts
Efforts to mitigate drowning risks have proven fruitful, with only three incidents recorded in the past year. These incidents resulted in two fatalities and the successful rescue of two individuals. This decline can be attributed to the concerted efforts of authorities to raise awareness about the dangers of drowning and implement effective prevention measures, including awareness campaigns conducted on beaches.
The noteworthy decrease in drowning accidents indicates the efficacy of proactive prevention efforts, despite the fact that the rise in fire incidents presents a serious threat to public safety in Fujairah. To address new safety problems and guarantee the wellbeing of locals and visitors alike, authorities and the community must work together in concert and maintain constant monitoring and education. Through meticulous preparation, strict adherence to safety protocols, and continuous public awareness campaigns, Fujairah can work toward a more secure and resilient future for all of its residents.
