According to the Ministry of Interior, civil defence teams responded to 2,473 fires last year. (Image source: Canva)

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.

Improper configuration of fire systems can also contribute to false alarms. (Image source: Apollo)

The company dives into the factors that lead to false alarms, their environmental factors and the best ways to mitigate them.

False alarms within fire systems can present numerous challenges, ranging from undue disruption and anxiety to the misallocation of emergency services resources. A significant incidence of false alarms may also foster complacency, potentially leading to delayed responses during actual emergencies. Hence, the ability to reject false alarms is pivotal for the efficiency of a fire system.

Various factors can contribute to false alarms within fire systems. These factors encompass environmental influences, system configuration and maintenance challenges, as well as human errors. A comprehensive comprehension of these factors aids in devising tactics to mitigate false alarms.

Environmental factors

Environmental factors such as dust, humidity, and temperature fluctuations can cause false alarms in fire systems. For example, smoke detectors may be triggered by dust particles, while heat detectors may be affected by sudden changes in temperature. In some cases, environmental factors can also interfere with the proper functioning of the detectors, increasing the likelihood of false alarms.

System configuration and maintenance issues

Improper configuration of fire systems can also contribute to false alarms. For example, installing detectors in areas with high airflow or near cooking appliances may lead to false alarms. Additionally, inadequate maintenance of fire systems, such as failing to test, maintain, and replace detectors, can result in reduced performance and an increased likelihood of false alarms.

Human error

Human error is another factor that can contribute to false alarms. This can include accidental activation of manual call points or misuse of fire detection equipment. In some cases, lack of proper training or awareness about fire safety protocols can also lead to false alarms. The Soteria Tri-Sensor Detector is now available, with its standout modes, which employ a double knock effect within the detector. This means that before triggering an alarm signal to the panel, at least two sensors within the Tri-Sensor must register the presence of smoke or fire, significantly reducing the occurrence of false alarms. This feature is particularly crucial in environments like student accommodations and open-plan apartments, where false alarms, often triggered by cooking activities, can lead to unnecessary disruptions and safety concerns.

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