Alert Emirati girl, 10, helps save her family and neighbours from fire

Sharjah: Police honoured an alert ten-year-old Emirati girl who called 999 to warn authorities that a fire broke out in the building where she lives with her family in Dibba Al Hosn.

The girl, identified Sarah Ali Ahmad, was honoured on Tuesday for her determined efforts to reach police by phone that led to the timely rescue of her family and neighbours.

A police official told Gulf News that Sarah dialled 999 and a police service operator took the unusual call from the gradeschooler.

Firefighters said the flames erupted out at around 3.30pm on January 30 on the first floor of the two-storey building.

Sarah's family were on the second floor.

While it was not immediately clear what triggered the fire, Sarah's timely report helped authorities contain the flames sooner, thus minimising losses to life and property.

Col. Ahmad Abdullah Bin Ya'rouf, director of the Dibba Al Hosn Police Station honoured the girl in her school, Al Aqad Al Farid Primary School.

The official said that Sharjah police appreciate the good deeds from community members.

He added that when every member of the community cooperates with authorities, it helps create a safer society.

Col. Bin Ya'rouf said that Sharjah Police give top priority to children's calls.