UAE Ministry of Interior reveals 2023 fire incident statistics

The UAE experienced a decrease in the total number of fires last year, although official figures revealed increases in specific categories, particularly residential fires and major incidents.

According to the Ministry of Interior, civil defence teams responded to 2,473 fires last year, down from 3,000 in 2022. The majority of these incidents occurred in residential areas, with homes accounting for 1,636 fires, up from 1,385 the previous year.

The data did not include information on deaths or injuries. Among all recorded fires, 32 were classified as major, compared to 20 in 2022. Additionally, 57 fires were classified as medium, 1,309 as limited, and 12,075 as minor.

Commercial buildings experienced 293 fires, farms had 128, industrial properties 106, and public service buildings 97. Other areas, such as deserts, educational institutions, entertainment venues, government buildings, health centres, and tourist spots, saw an overall drop in incidents.

Breakdown by Emirate

Emergency services responded to 735 fires in Abu Dhabi last year, down from 860 the previous year. In the rest of the emirate, there were 578 incidents in Al Ain and 75 in Al Dhafra. Dubai dealt with 343 incidents, while Sharjah responded to 306 fires. Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, and Umm Al Quwain managed 165, 114, 111, and 46 blazes, respectively.