Cigarette butts the second most common cause of fires in Dubai

Smokers who carelessly tossed away cigarette butts caused more than a dozen fires in Dubai last year.

Dubai Civil Defence attended 465 blazes, its annual report says.

Faulty wiring and electrics were the most common cause of accidents, in 69 fires, followed by cigarettes, which were linked to 14.

Seven people died and 68 members of the public were injured in fires. Twelve firefighters were also hurt on duty. Dubai Civil Defence said the average time taken to reach a fire was just over seven minutes.

“The fast response time

The incidence of fires in Dubai – 14 blazes for every 100,000 people – is considered low for a major city

had a great impact, saving many lives and properties,” said Maj Gen Rashid Al Matroushi, director of civil defence.

Despite being a major city that has endured several high-profile skyscraper fires, the proportion was relatively low – about 14 fires for every 100,000 people.

As of the end of last year, fire protection devices and smoke detectors were in place in more than 64,000 buildings, and 50,344 were linked to Civil Defence’s automatic alarm system.

The issue of electrical safety came under the spotlight after the death of seven children from one family in Fujairah, in January.

After the tragedy Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said all homes should be linked to civil defence stations.