26 per cent rise in farm fires in Oman

 Farm fires are the most common type of fire during the summer, with an increase of more than 26 per cent within the last three years, according to an infographic released by the Public Authority for Civil Defence and Ambulance (PACDA).

Based on the statistics, there has been a 26 per cent rise in fires between 2014 and 2016. Last year, there were 789 fires addresses by the authorities. In 2015, there were 682 cases and in 2014, there were 626. 

A spokesperson at PACDA, with 12 years in the service, stated that although no fatalities have been recorded due to fires, their safety is still a major concern. “Since I’ve been working, we haven’t heard of anyone dying in a farm fire. Of course, we have very good equipment and fire retardant clothing, so we are well protected, but some do suffer from smoke inhalation.

“These fires sometimes occur based on the season and so it is natural. It only gets out of hand when it is allowed to. Many of the farm owners, and especially farm handlers, don’t understand the safety regulations. But with more awareness, we are hoping the number of fires will decrease,” the spokesperson stated.

According to the infographic released by the agency, the rise in fire cases occurs mostly during the summer season due to the rise in temperatures, droughts, and the lack of farm owners and farm workers following safety regulations.

PACDA states that factors involved in farm fires include negligence, particular fertilizers and man-made fires. In case of a fire, the agency can be reached on their emergency line (24 34 3666/9999).

Source: Timesofoman