309 structures fined for fire safety violations in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: The Abu Dhabi Civil Defence fined 309 buildings and establishments for violating public safety and firefighting rules following 13,764 inspections this year.

The Civil Defence had fined 563 establishments last year following 18,419 inspections.

Civil defence officials told Gulf News that efforts to enhance fire safety awareness are being stepped up.

In 2015-16, more than 500,000 pupils were briefed about fire safety and precautions to exercise in case of fire.

Even 1.5 million travellers who passed through Abu Dhabi airports were made aware about fire safety issues, civil defence officials said.

This year, more than 85,000 people in shopping malls and residential apartments as well as in labour accommodations were made aware of fire precaution and their roles, while more than 50,000 people were approached last year.

“Protecting people’s lives is the first priority of Abu Dhabi Civil Defence as is ensuring that all buildings and establishments across the emirate of Abu Dhabi adhere to fire safety rules,” an official said. “The inspections sought to build confidence among residential and commercial entities’ dwellers about their safety and security in case of fire.”

Civil defence also carried out 11,241 random inspections last year, while 9,925 establishments were inspected this year.

Statistics

• 13,764 buildings/establishments inspected so far this year compared with 18,419 last year.
• 309 buildings/establishments fined so far this year compared with 563 last year.
• 9,925 random inspections this year compared with 11,241 last year.
• 500,000 pupils briefed on fire safety.
• 1.5 million travellers who passed through Abu Dhabi airports received fire safety awareness bulletins.