Muscat topped the list of fire incidents in 2022 with 1,307 cases, which is 31.2 per cent of the total incidents reported in the country.
According to National Center for Statistics and Information (NCSI), 4,186 cases were reported in the country in 2022, of which 949 were in Al Batinah North, 367 in Al Batinah South, 435 in Al Dakhiliyah and 349 in Dhofar governorate.
Incidents reported from household facilities were 32.1 per cent, transportation (22.2 per cent), residues (20 per cent), agriculture (9.8 per cent), and companies and enterprises 7.2 per cent.)
Last week, CDAA reported a cooking gas explosion in a restaurant in the South Mabela area of the Wilayat of Seeb.
Eighteen people suffered light to moderate injuries, and as search and rescue teams dealt with hazardous materials at the site, CDAA said buildings in the neighbourhood and vehicles were affected.
According to Lieutenant Ali al Farsi of CDAA, “Cooking gas leak is the cause of the explosion, which requires awareness regarding the use and dealing with gas cylinders and electrical connections."
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) said that smoke and gas leakage detectors should be installed in homes and that electrical appliances be shut down immediately after use to avoid risks.
Among the most important reasons that lead to fires in residential facilities are: not closing the gas cylinder after cooking and when leaving the house, children tampering with lighters and matches, loading electrical sockets above their capacity, and leaving electrical devices in operation for an extended period.
When a fire breaks out in the house, it is advised to shut off electricity and gas and remove inflammable materials, evacuate all people, help the elderly, children and people with disabilities to evacuate quickly before the spread of the fire and to call the emergency number 9999 or at 24343666.
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