Dubai: Dubai Civil Defence has warned of fires during Ramadan saying most fires start in kitchens as people rush to finish cooking before iftar time and forget to turn off the ovens or because of electricity overload.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Mutawa, Assistant General Manager for Smart Services at Dubai Civil Defence, said: “Fires in Ramadan mostly happen in kitchens because many people want to cook before iftar and forget that the oven is on or they have failed in doing timely maintenance of electric cables and gas pipes. People must be careful and make sure the ovens are turned off after cooking,” Lt Col Al Mutawa said.
He also blamed some incidents of fire on cooking oil as it used many times in Ramadan.
- Lieutenant Colonel Ali Al Mutawa | Assistant General Manager for Smart Services at Dubai Civil Defence
“In case of cooking oil fires, don’t use water but use a blanket or something to douse the fire,” he advised.
Lt Col Al Mutawa said there was no fire in Ramadan tents in the last four years, but the department keeps raising awareness among employees and carry out inspections, check that fire systems and safety procedures are followed in tents.
“Ramadan tents need to get approval from the Civil Defence and the municipality. The tents must have enough space and must not block traffic and have fire extinguishers clearly visible to people. They must meet all stipulated safety conditions.”
Lt Col Al Mutawa, said that in case of fires, people must switch off electricity and lock the doors and windows and call 997.
He said the firefighters are ready 24 hours during Ramadan and they have a clear-cut plan to respond fast to any emergency situation.
