Muscat: There has been an increase in the number of fire incidents reported in the country over the last three years.
According to the National Centre for Statistics and Information (NCSI), 4,955 fire incidents were reported in 2024, compared to 4,622 in 2023 and 4,186 in 2022.
Of these, 1,577 were reported in Muscat in 2024, 1,095 in North al Batinah, 469 in South al Batinah, and 401 in Dhofar. All these governorates showed an increase in the number of incidents reported in 2023 and 2022.
Most of these were reported from housing facilities (1,530), transportation (1,070), residues (1,173), agriculture (409), equipment and power lines (314), government facilities (69), industrial installations (48), and places of worship (14). There was an increase in fire incidents in housing facilities by 30.8 percent and in transportation by 21.8 percent.
Vehicle fire
The Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA) has urged the importance of regular vehicle maintenance, acquiring a handheld fire extinguisher and first aid kits, and ensuring their validity. Items such as batteries, gas cylinders, and hand sanitisers should never be
left inside a vehicle.
Causes behind vehicle fires include urging drivers to maintain their cars regularly, monitor electrical malfunctions due to faulty wiring, fuel leaks near ignition sources, and engine overheating, and the use of substandard or improperly installed parts.
Drivers should avoid using vehicles during the afternoon when the summer heat is at its peak.
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