KUWAIT CITY, May 13: Director of the Public Relations and Media Department at Kuwait Fire Force (KFF) Brigadier General Mohammad Al-Gharib revealed that the number of deaths resulting from fires and traffic accidents reached 180 last year and 44 in the first quarter of this year. Al-Gharib said the main causes of fire during summer are high temperatures, misuse of electrical appliances, and unsafe storage of flammable materials. In an interview with the newspaper, he affirmed that KFF and all of its centers are fully prepared to deal with various reports; citing the continuous upgrading of equipment and machinery.

He added KFF also launched awareness campaigns targeting various segments of society to prevent fire incidents. He disclosed that KFF typically receives reports on fire incidents in homes, vehicles, warehouses, farms and pile of waste; as well as people trapped in elevators or vehicles due to high temperatures. He stressed that KFF works hard to respond quickly to such reports, indicating that the response time ranges between four to eight minutes. He affirmed this range is within global averages. Following is an excerpt of the interview: Question: What are the latest preparations of KFF for the summer season? Answer: Preparations are comprehensive, including increasing the readiness level at all centers, maintaining and upgrading equipment and machinery, and intensifying training programs for firefighters. We have also launched awareness campaigns targeting various segments of society to prevent fire incidents.

A: The most common causes of fire during the summer include high temperatures, misuse of electrical appliances, unsafe storage of flammable materials, negligence in industrial facilities, dry grass and waste.

A: Yes, some locations have higher fire incidence rates like Naeem Scrapyard and some industrial areas and warehouses due to the nature of their activities and the accumulation of flammable materials.

A: Reports vary from house, vehicle, warehouse, farm and waste fire incidents. We also receive reports about people trapped in elevators or vehicles due to high temperatures.

A: Our response time ranges from four to eight minutes in urban areas, which is within global averages. We are constantly working to develop this aspect in order to increase efficiency and expedite arrival time.

A: The number of fire incidents in the first quarter of this year is almost the same as that of last year. We have intensified the public awareness campaigns and preventive monitoring to reduce the accident rate this year.

A: In 2024, we handled 16,144 reports -- fire incidents, rescue operations and humanitarian missions. In the first quarter of this year, the number of reports reached 3,398 -- a large percentage of which are on home and vehicle fire incidents.

A: All fire stations are fully equipped and ready to handle any report. This readiness includes personnel, modern equipment and technology; in addition to operations units that monitor reports in real-time.

A: This is a misconception. Completely filling the fuel tank does not cause fire, but it is important to ensure the tank cap is tightly closed and to refrain from smoking or using flame near gas stations.

A: Yes, leaving perfumes or portable phone batteries (power banks) in the car under direct sunlight may cause them to explode or catch fire. Therefore, we advise against leaving them inside the vehicle, especially during summer.

A: Yes, a number of new firefighting and rescue vehicles will be operational soon. They are equipped with modern technologies to enhance efficiency.

A: Several new fire stations will soon open in various areas like Jaber Bridge and Al-Qairawan, with the aim of covering urban expansion and expediting response times.

A: In 2024 and the first quarter of this year, we recorded 180 deaths due to fire and traffic accidents; while in the first quarter of this year, 44 cases were recorded. We are working hard to reduce these numbers through prevention and rapid intervention.

A: We would like to emphasize the importance of everyone adhering to safety and fire prevention measures in order to protect lives and properties. The use of certain electrical appliances usually increases in summer; hence, the need for all of us to be careful and to strictly follow preventive guidelines. Important tips include avoiding leaving flammable materials such as gas cylinders or perfumes in vehicles exposed to direct sunlight, not overloading electrical connections, ensuring their serviceability and safety on a regular basis, maintaining air conditioning units and kitchen vents, and supervising children and preventing them from playing with matches or other sources of fire. If you are traveling during the summer vacation, it is necessary to ensure that all electrical and gas appliances are turned off before leaving your home. Do not make fire in desert areas or beaches except in designated areas, and ensure that the fire is completely extinguished after use. It is also necessary to put a fire extinguisher in your vehicle and at the temporary accommodation.