A considerable percentage of warehouses within the Sultanate of Oman, which are utilized by numerous companies for the storage of goods, many of which are flammable, pose a grave risk of fire, despite warnings issued by the Civil Defence and Ambulances Authority (CDAA). This risk is significantly amplified during the sweltering summer months.
Visits to a number of warehouses, predominantly located in industrial and residential zones, have uncovered a disregard for safety standards, with goods frequently stacked past their capacity, thereby endangering the potential for fire.
While a severe fire has previously decimated an upholstery store and warehouse in Wadi Kabir and a shop selling computer accessories failed to act as a deterrent, leading to the evacuation of approximately 80 individuals from a structure in the Ghala Industrial Area within the Al Seeb Wilayat not long after a fire broke out.
Industry experts caution that warehouses housing flammable materials are particularly susceptible to fire incidents. The improper handling or storage of these substances can serve as catalysts for ignition, especially when they are in proximity to heat sources, heightening the risk of accidental fires that can damage both the premises and the surrounding areas.
"It is imperative that we exercise heightened caution and implement more stringent fire safety measures in response to these alarming statistics and recent tragedies elsewhere in the Gulf Cooperation Council," said Mohammed al Khadouri, an authority in health, safety, and security, in addition to his role as a lecturer at a college specializing in fire hazards and preventive measures.
Data further shows that the frequency of industrial fires in the Sultanate of Oman has seen a significant increase, with 41 such incidents reported in industrial facilities. "Prevention of industrial fires is achievable through the regular inspection of fire protection strategies, the maintenance and replacement of outdated electrical components, and the enhancement of employee awareness within the organizations," al Khadouri stated.
The figures also indicate that the majority of fires in both industrial and residential sectors are the result of negligence among the public, exacerbated by the heat of summer and a lack of compliance with safety and precautionary measures as outlined by the CDAA.
In the year 2023, there was a notable increase in residential fire incidents, with a 14.4 per cent rise from the previous year, from 1,345 to 1,539. Commercial fire incidents at commercial establishments and warehouses increased by 7.2 per cent, with no reported incidents at oil installations. Additionally, there were eight fire incidents at places of worship. The statistics further highlight that 32.1 per cent of fire incidents, amounting to 1,345, occurred in residential areas. The prevalence of home-based fires can be attributed to the presence of electrical appliances and cooking gas equipment.
The number of fire incidents in the Sultanate of Oman has shown a notable rise from 4,186 in 2022, with 4,057 in 2021 and 3,409 in 2020. In 2022, 32.1 per cent of fire incidents, or 1,345, were recorded in residential settings. This underscores the need for increased vigilance and proactive fire safety measures across the nation.
