Calls for caution against house fires

MUSCAT: Calls for caution regarding house fires have been renewed, as a 10-year-old child died this week as a result of a blaze in Mabella on Monday.

The fire resulted in two deaths, one of which was of a 10-year-old child, and the second was a domestic worker.

An official from the Public Authority for Civil Defence (PACDA) said investigations are underway regarding the incident, and that no apparent cause for the fire has been found yet.

However, the official called for caution regarding house fires caused by electrical devices. He explained that fire alarms in households are not officially enforced, though they are recommended.

“Certain exceptions may apply, where the government does enforce fire alarms, but those are specifically related to exceeding blueprint space, and needing to satisfy kitchen safety regulations. However, according to our coordination with the Municipality, no such plan to implement fire alarms and safety codes apply to Oman’s homes.”

“Smoke detectors in particular may have to function at timings when Omanis are not burning bukhur (incense), which is a recurring household activity in homes here,” the PACDA official explained.