Fire accidents fall 41 percent UAE-wide

Fire accidents in buildings and establishments across the UAE decreased 41 percent during the first half of 2017 below the targets set by the General Command of the Civil Defence's fire safety strategy for 2017-2021, according to GCCD statistics.

"The number of fires that broke out in buildings and establishments and handled by Civil Defence Centres across the country during the first half of 2017 reached 928, leaving 115 injured and 12 dead," said Major General Al Marzouki, the General Commander of the Civil Defense, noting that the number of fatalities fell by eight percent and injuries by 47 percent below the targets set for the GCCD 2017-2021.

The timely response to fire accidents, the introduction of modern fire prevention technology, qualified firefighters, sustained public awareness campaigns against risks of fires, and intensified efforts to meet challenges as a united team are all factors behind the success achieved.

House fires accounted for 61 percent of total fires nationwide, 87 percent of which are slight accidents, according to the statistics.

Al Marzouki attributed the success in reducing the number of fires across the country to the prudent directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to take all necessary measures and mobilise all needed resources and state-of-the-art technologies to ensure rapid emergency response through qualified firefighting cadres, concerted action and teamwork spirit to help achieve the aspired goals of the GCCD.

He noted that the Civil Defence follows best practices adopted in the field in line with international standards and criteria, including latest knowhow to ensure best possible levels of control, security and alarm systems.

GCCD works on providing high-quality services in line with the government's vision, which aims to make the UAE one of the best countries in the world in the field of excellence and the services provided to the public. Its priorities include the improvement and development of the quality of life in the emirate by reducing injury, loss of life and property damage caused by fires, natural disasters and human emergencies. It is committed to providing protection techniques through the application of the highest standards of prevention and excellence in the implementation of efficient fire and rescue services.