UAE residents risk fire this summer - research

FIRE FEAR: The majority of UAE residents are at risk of devastating electrical fires this summer, an safety specialist has warned. (ITP Images)

The overwhelming majority of UAE residents are at risk of devastating electrical fires this summer, an safety specialist warned on Tuesday.

Research released by Duval Messien found nearly 70% of UAE residents have experienced signs of electrical faults including burnt sockets and electrical shocks from appliances but less than 30% sought professional help.

Sonjib Banerjee, technical director at Duval Messien, said the survey revealed a “disconcertingly high” amount of people attempted to fix electrical problems themselves, or simply ignored the problem.

“Many fires have been reported in the press recently, and some of which could be linked to poor maintained electrical circuitry and earthing systems,” Banerjee said in a statement.

The arrival of summer meant fires would increase across the UAE, with some caused by avoidable errors in electrical maintenance, he warned.

Banerjee said the risk was increased by the UAE’s hot climate, which required increased maintenance needs. However, legislation does not impose any maintenance protocols or regulation, he said.

The lack of electrical regulation was of particular concern due to the large number of old buildings across the UAE, he said.

High population density in Dubai was another reason to be diligent in electrical safety, since fire can spread rapidly and cause tremendous damage in a small area. Rescue efforts may also be hindered by traffic congestion, increasing the danger, he said.

“Until the legislation changes, individuals must take up the issue individually to limit hazardous situations in their own homes and offices, and the vicinity around them,” he said.

Warehouses are also at high-risk as they frequently use high voltage equipment but often lack regular maintenance of electrical systems.

“In such conditions, the business and valuable assets are at risk. Also, the warehouses appear in clusters where there is a fair chance of spreading of fire in event of any catastrophe,” he said.

Banerjee’s comments follow a recent string of devastating fires in Dubai, including a blaze at an illegal fireworks warehouse in Al Quoz, which killed at least eight people and destroyed dozens of buildings.

More than 200 buildings in the Deira district of Dubai were also destroyed in a fire on April 2, and fire also erupted at a Dubai warehouse which stored chemicals and paints on April 3.

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