The Sultanate of Oman reported 4,058 fire-related incidents in 2021, compared to 3,409 in 2020, 3,864 in 2019, 4,602 in 2018 and 4,748 in 2017.
According to the Statistical Yearbook of the National Centre of Statistics and Information (NCSI), 1,353 incidents or 33.3 per cent of the total cases were reported in Muscat in 2021, followed by 904 cases in North Al Batinah, 379 cases in Al Dakhiliyah, 342 in South Al Batinah and 214 in South Al Sharqiyah.
Overall, nearly 29.3 per cent of cases were reported from housing facilities, 20.1per cent from vehicles, and 21.3 per cent from residues.
It may be noted house and industrial fires are reported in the capital on a regular basis.
According to sources in the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), fire-related cases generally increase during summer. If not controlled in time can lead to a loss of human life and properties. One of the main reasons is the failure to maintain and update fire safety equipment.
The causes of vehicle fires have been due to neglect and lack of seriousness while maintaining the vehicle at regular intervals, especially the presence of enough water in the coolant can reduce the occurrence of such fire incidents.
To avoid electricity-related fires and their dangers, according to CDAA, people should follow preventive measures at home by avoiding touching the devices with wet hands, tampering with the devices, and trying self-repairs as these should be left to competent persons.
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