Farm fires more frequent during summer months

“These fires sometimes occur based on the season, and so are natural. It only gets out of hand when it is allowed to. Many of the farm owners, and especially farm handlers, don’t understand safety regulations.

“But with more awareness, we are hoping the number of fires will decrease,” the spokesperson added.

Based on statistics provided by PACDA, farm fires are the most common type of fire during the summer, with an increase of more than 26 per cent in the last three years.

Last year, there were 789 fires. In 2015, there were 682, and in 2014 there were 626.

Rising numbers

According to information released by the agency, the increase in fires occur mostly during the summer, due to the rise in temperatures, droughts, and farm owners and workers not following safety regulations.

In 2014, three workers were burnt to death during a fire ata farm near Salalah. On March 16, fire rescue teams took five hours to extinguisha farm fire in Wilayat Dimawa’Tayeen in North Al Sharqiyah Governorate.

Officers were able to extinguish the flames, and no injuries were reported.

PACDA states that factors involved in farm fires include negligence, the use of particular fertilizers, and manmade fires. In case of a fire, call the emergency line at (24343666 or 9999).