Short circuit likely cause of villa fire
abu dhabi — Although authorities in Abu Dhabi are still investigating the cause of a house fire that killed eight Emiratis, a senior official has said electrical short circuit could be at fault.
“The investigations are still under way, but we believe the cause of the fire is linked to electricity or the air-conditioning,” BrigadierGeneral Mohammad Mayouf Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence, told media on Thursday.
Brig-Gen Al Ketbi gave details of the tragic incident, which took place in Bani yas moments before Fajr prayers (around 5am) on Tuesday.
“The fire was contained to the living area (Majlis).”
He pointed out that the victims died from suffocation. “The cause of death is smoke, which went inside the rooms, where the family was sleeping.
“The smoke is the silent killer, especially if the victims are sound asleep,” added Brig-Gen Al Ketbi. He urged that families must observe the maximum precautions in their homes.
Leaders of the UAE have offered their condolences to the Al Kotheiri family, including Lieutenant-General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, who visited the family at their residence, as well as Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance. The youngest victim from the Al Khotheiri family was only one and a half years old, while the eldest was a 38-year-old woman, the relatives told Khaleej Times on Tuesday.
Meanwhile, in the light of the horrific incident, the Abu Dhabi Police and the UAE Civil Defence called on all residents to ensure that smoke alarms are installed in their homes and make sure that they are functioning efficiently.
“We urge people to comply with safety requirements and be cautious before going to sleep.
“Do not leave any mobile phones on charge while you are asleep, check the air-conditioning is working properly. We also urge people to ensure that all the electrical units are functioning safely, because these are the leading causes of house fires.
“We urge everyone to ensure they have smoke alarms in their homes. The value of the smoke alarm is not equal to the value, the health and the life of a child.”
Never delay calling emergency services
Authorities also urged residents to immediately call the emergency services in such situations.
The Abu Dhabi Police have posted a one-minute long advisory video on Instagram of a woman waking up at night, to the sound of a fire alarm in her apartment.
As she opens her bedroom door, she is faced with fire ripping through her walls and ceilings. The woman then opens the window, and screams for help.
A man standing on the street sees the fire, but instead of calling emergency services, he takes a video for social media.
The video ends with a message; “when did likes become more important than lives?”
On Thursday, an Abu Dhabi Police official told Khaleej Times the video is intended to remind people that everyone is responsible when it comes to alerting authorities, should they witness an emergency.
“This video aims to raise awareness about the importance of all community members working together and helping each other in times of crisis.
“If someone spots any danger, including a fire, he or she must immediately call the emergency services,” he said.
“You should pick up your phone to alert authorities for help in critical situations, not to alert your followers and friends.”
We urge everyone to ensure they have smoke alarms in their homes. The value of the smoke alarm is not equal to the value, the health and the life of a child.”
Brigadier-General Mohammad Mayouf Al Ketbi, Director-General of the Abu Dhabi Civil Defence