Police unit probed 349 fires in first half of year

Dubai: Dubai Police's General Department of Forensic Sciences investigated 349 fires, including arson attacks, during the first half of this year.

Last year the department investigated 660 fires, these included 256 vehicle fires, 374 fires in establishments such as homes and offices, 20 gas explosions, five electric shocks, and three gas leaks.

During the first half of this year, there were 129 vehicle fires, said fire expert Mohammad Ahmad Abu Eitta.

He added that establishments such as labour accommodation sites, and warehouses topped the list followed by vehicles.

Fires are most commonly caused by natural factors such as heat and accidental causes such as throwing a lit cigarette.

Motives behind arson

He didn't mention the number of arson cases saying that the motive behind such crimes is to hide evidence at a crime scene such as a robbery or murder.

Other motives include making insurance claims or getting rid of bank instalments.

Fires in vehicles vary but a main concern is when youngsters modify their vehicles by adding enhancements, which put pressure on electric wires not designed to withstand the load.

What steps have you taken to fire-proof your house? Do you teach fire safety measures to your children?