Sami Al Naqbi thanks Sharjah Ruler for guidance to limit blaze

April 23, 2025 / 6:59 PM

Sharjah 24: Brigadier Sami Al Naqbi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, announced that the Ruler of Sharjah’s directive to remove non-fire-resistant cladding panels was crucial in managing a recent fire in a residential tower. The fire was confined to one flat, thanks to these preventive measures, allowing for a safe and swift evacuation.

Fire triggered by overloaded power converter

Initial investigations revealed that the fire was caused by overheating in a power converter’s metal electrical circuits due to excessive load. This led to ignition and flames spreading through flammable materials in a densely packed space. A committee will now review building permits, with legal action pending in case of violations.

Key safety recommendations issued

Al Naqbi advised regular electrical inspections, avoiding overloads, using certified building materials, respecting occupancy limits, and choosing quality electrical devices. He stressed using stairs over elevators during fire evacuations.

Enforcement and continued safety measures

Al Naqbi credited the Ruler’s earlier safety directives and last year’s intensive inspection campaign for averting worse outcomes. The campaign resulted in fines and orders for corrective action against non-compliant buildings.