ABU DHABI: Fire accidents in buildings and establishments across the UAE decreased 41 per cent during the first half of 2017, below the targets set by the General Command of the Civil Defence’s fire safety strategy for 2017-2021, according to GCCD statistics.
“The number of fires that broke out in buildings and establishments and handled by Civil Defence Centres across the country during the first half of 2017 reached 928, leaving 115 injured and 12 dead,” said Major General Al Marzouki, the General Commander of the Civil Defence, noting that the number of fatalities fell by eight per cent and injuries by 47 per cent below the targets set for the GCCD 2017-2021.
The timely response to fire accidents, the introduction of modern fire prevention technology, qualified firefighters, sustained public awareness campaigns against risks of fires, and intensified efforts to meet challenges as a united team are the factors behind the success achieved.
House fires accounted for 61 per cent of total fires nationwide, 87 per cent of which are minor accidents, according to the statistics.
Al Marzouki attributed the success in reducing the number of fires across the country to the prudent directives of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, to take all necessary measures and mobilise all needed resources and state-of-the-art technologies to ensure rapid emergency response through qualified fire fighting cadres, concerted action and teamwork spirit to help achieve the aspired goals of the GCCD.
He noted that the Civil Defence follows best practices adopted in the field in line with international standards and criteria, including latest know-how to ensure best possible levels of control, security and alarm systems.
