Sharjah Civil Defence steps up fire safety inspections in industrial zones
The Civil Defence teams also conduct on-site training for workers
Sharjah: The Sharjah Civil Defence has ramped up its efforts to enhance safety in industrial areas through an extensive inspection campaign aimed at preventing fires and safeguarding lives.
In the first half of 2025, officials conducted 5,408 scheduled visits and 13,306 surprise inspections across key industrial zones, including Al Saja’a and areas 6, 10, 17, and 18. As a result, 4,293 establishments were issued warnings for failing to comply with fire safety regulations and were given 72 hours to rectify the violations.
Speaking to Gulf News, Brigadier General Yousef Obaid Bin Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, said: “We encountered several fire incidents during our inspections. In some cases, the fires had just started, and our teams were able to extinguish them immediately. These inspections are not just about enforcement—they are about saving lives.”
Quick action and on-the-ground education
As part of the campaign, Civil Defence teams also conducted on-site training for workers, educating them on how to respond effectively in the event of a fire. “We don’t just issue warnings—we teach staff what to do if a fire breaks out,” Brigadier Al Shamsi added.
Common violations
Many of the warnings were issued for serious safety lapses, such as:
Improper storage of flammable or hazardous materials
Blocking entrances, exits, or emergency escape routes
Unauthorized construction or building modifications
Using outdated or faulty fire safety equipment
Operating without the required licenses
Other infractions included storage that exceeded permitted height limits or obstructed fire sprinkler systems, as well as overcrowded worker accommodations that failed to meet fire safety standards.
Daily inspections making a difference
Brigadier Al Shamsi confirmed that daily inspections are continuing and have already reduced the number of fire incidents in the emirate.
Strict rules for safer facilities
The campaign sets clear safety guidelines for facilities that don’t have automatic fire suppression systems:
Storage should not exceed 3 meters in height
A 1-metreclearance must be maintained below sprinkler systems
Racks should be spaced 1 meter from walls and other structures
Mezzanine floors must be limited to 50% of the ground floor area
For businesses dealing with hazardous materials, there are additional requirements:
Store incompatible substances separately
Use fire-resistant storage areas
Have certified technicians regularly inspect electrical and mechanical systems
Avoid overloading electrical circuits
Clean regularly to remove combustible debris
Emergency preparedness is key
Facilities are also required to:
Keep escape routes clear and at least 1.2 meters wide
Ensure there are at least two emergency exits with lighting
Display evacuation plans in visible areas
Conduct regular servicing of fire alarms and detection systems
Digital compliance and future plans
To streamline safety compliance, Brigadier Al Shamsi is encouraging companies to obtain a Fire Prevention Compliance Certificate through its digital platform.
Brigadier Al Shamsi confirmed that the next phase of the campaign will expand to cover all industrial areas across the emirate. After correcting violations, businesses must report back to Civil Defence. Inspectors will revisit the sites to ensure all issues have been resolved—otherwise, legal action will follow.
“Our goal is simple,”Brigaider Al Shamsi said. “We want every industrial facility in Sharjah to operate safely and responsibly. These aren’t just rules—they're life-saving measures.”
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