Rising cases of warehouse fires a concern
Published: 05:07 PM,Jul 17,2024 | EDITED : 09:07 PM,Jul 17,2024
Rising cases of warehouse fires a concern
A significant number of warehouses in the Sultanate of Oman, where companies store their goods, many of which are flammable, are presenting a serious fire threat despite warnings issued by the Civil Defence and Ambulances Authority (CDAA). This threat is particularly heightened during the hot summer months.
A visit to several warehouses, primarily situated in industrial and residential areas, revealed that goods are often stacked beyond capacity, disregarding safety norms against fire hazards.
Although a devastating fire destroyed an upholstery store and warehouse in Wadi Kabir a few years back, and a shop selling computer accessories failed to serve as a wake-up call, CDAA still had to evacuate around 80 individuals from a building in the Ghala Industrial Area in the Wilayat of Al Seeb after a fire broke out recently.
Experts warn that warehouses storing combustible materials are at a heightened risk of fires. Improper handling or storage of these flammable substances can lead to them becoming potential ignition sources. The close proximity of these materials to potential heat sources increases the likelihood of accidental fires, damaging both the premises and surrounding properties.
“We must exercise extra caution and implement better fire precautions in light of these statistics and a recent incident in another GCC country where 49 people lost their lives in a midnight fire at their accommodation,” said Mohammed al Khadouri, an expert in health, safety, and security, and a lecturer at a college specialising in fire hazards and precautions.
The Sultanate of Oman, which has experienced rapid industrial growth, reported 41 fire accidents in industrial facilities. “Industrial fires can be prevented by conducting routine checks on fire protection strategies, maintaining and replacing outdated electrical parts, and raising awareness among employees within the organisation,” Al Khadouri said.
The statistics also revealed that fires in industrial and residential areas are primarily due to people’s careless attitudes, exacerbated by rising temperatures in summer, and a reluctance to adhere to safety and precautionary measures mandated by the CDAA.
In 2023, there were 1,539 reported residential fire incidents, a 14.4 per cent increase from 1,345 in 2022. Commercial fires at companies and warehouses totalled 302 (7.2 per cent), with no fire incidents reported at oil installations. Additionally, 8 fire incidents occurred at places of worship last year. The number of fire incidents involving electrical equipment, overhead power lines, and utility poles amounted to 234 (5.6 per cent), while 50 fires occurred in government facilities. In 2022, there were 4,186 fire incidents, compared to 4,057 incidents in 2021 and 3,409 incidents in 2020. The statistics indicated that 32.1 per cent of fire incidents (1,345 incidents) occurred in residential facilities. Home-based fires are common due to the presence of electrical appliances and cooking gas.
A visit to several warehouses, primarily situated in industrial and residential areas, revealed that goods are often stacked beyond capacity, disregarding safety norms against fire hazards.
Although a devastating fire destroyed an upholstery store and warehouse in Wadi Kabir a few years back, and a shop selling computer accessories failed to serve as a wake-up call, CDAA still had to evacuate around 80 individuals from a building in the Ghala Industrial Area in the Wilayat of Al Seeb after a fire broke out recently.
Experts warn that warehouses storing combustible materials are at a heightened risk of fires. Improper handling or storage of these flammable substances can lead to them becoming potential ignition sources. The close proximity of these materials to potential heat sources increases the likelihood of accidental fires, damaging both the premises and surrounding properties.
“We must exercise extra caution and implement better fire precautions in light of these statistics and a recent incident in another GCC country where 49 people lost their lives in a midnight fire at their accommodation,” said Mohammed al Khadouri, an expert in health, safety, and security, and a lecturer at a college specialising in fire hazards and precautions.
The Sultanate of Oman, which has experienced rapid industrial growth, reported 41 fire accidents in industrial facilities. “Industrial fires can be prevented by conducting routine checks on fire protection strategies, maintaining and replacing outdated electrical parts, and raising awareness among employees within the organisation,” Al Khadouri said.
The statistics also revealed that fires in industrial and residential areas are primarily due to people’s careless attitudes, exacerbated by rising temperatures in summer, and a reluctance to adhere to safety and precautionary measures mandated by the CDAA.
In 2023, there were 1,539 reported residential fire incidents, a 14.4 per cent increase from 1,345 in 2022. Commercial fires at companies and warehouses totalled 302 (7.2 per cent), with no fire incidents reported at oil installations. Additionally, 8 fire incidents occurred at places of worship last year. The number of fire incidents involving electrical equipment, overhead power lines, and utility poles amounted to 234 (5.6 per cent), while 50 fires occurred in government facilities. In 2022, there were 4,186 fire incidents, compared to 4,057 incidents in 2021 and 3,409 incidents in 2020. The statistics indicated that 32.1 per cent of fire incidents (1,345 incidents) occurred in residential facilities. Home-based fires are common due to the presence of electrical appliances and cooking gas.