With rising temperatures and the continuous operation of air conditioning systems in Fujairah, the Civil Defense Department of this emirate has warned about the risk of electrical network overload and an increase in household fires.

This warning comes as new statistics show that about 70 percent of recorded fires in Fujairah over the past year have occurred in residential homes.

Despite these concerns, the statistics also present some hopeful news; the number of fire-related injuries decreased by 60 percent last year, and no fatalities have been reported. Civil defense officials attribute this success to awareness campaigns and preventive inspections.

However, with the onset of peak summer heat, a new concern has arisen. According to officials, heavy use of air conditioners, especially in older buildings, puts significant pressure on the electrical network, and outdated wiring or substandard connections can quickly lead to a serious incident.

According to published statistics, out of a total of 145 recorded fires in Fujairah, 102 occurred in the residential sector. Additionally, all fire-related injuries over the past year occurred in homes, indicating that residences remain the most hazardous place for residents.

The Civil Defense of Fujairah has now intensified inspections of densely populated residential complexes and older neighborhoods, focusing on identifying faulty wiring, illegal unit divisions, and substandard repairs.

Safety officials have urged property owners and tenants to service their air conditioning systems as soon as possible, avoid leaving air conditioners running unnecessarily in empty rooms, and refrain from using low-quality power strips and extension cords; equipment that can become one of the major causes of household fires during the hot summer days.

Source: Gulf Times