Opinion | Editorials

Spare a thought for the firefighter

We must determine how to reduce the latent risks of fire in our daily lives.

  • Gulf News
  • Published: 23:40 July 4, 2008
  • Gulf News

The loss of yet another firefighter when tackling a blaze, this time in Al Ain, highlights just how dangerous the job is. Many people take this work for granted until they have to call upon their services. Willingly these officials set off to tackle the latest emergency, not knowing what dangers await them on arrival. Yet, undaunted, they go about their task with precise professionalism.

It would not go amiss for the public to spare a thought for firefighters and determine how to reduce the risk of fire in their daily life. For example, with temperatures hovering around the mid-40s Celsius, we should all ensure our airconditioners are properly serviced and not left on while unattended, otherwise they can be the cause for fires. Similarly, unattended cars have their engines running - which is against the law - to keep the interiors cool, yet it is dangerous. It is wise to be alert to fire risks.


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