KUWAIT CITY, Oct 23: The director of "Al-Farwaniya Prevention" has announced the initiation of the implementation of the "Fire Safety Code" by ensuring safety equipment in various facilities, including wedding halls, schools, and sports clubs, in line with "Civil Defense" requirements.

• Abdullah Al-Dosari: A fine of 20 dinars will be imposed for each "fire license" that is not renewed.
• "Al-Farwaniya Prevention" issued a total of 5,311 notices and administratively closed 74 facilities.
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Recent incidents, such as the tragic fire at a wedding hall in Iraq, resulting in numerous casualties, and the fire that occurred in a tent in Jahra several years ago, have brought back the importance of strengthening safety regulations and enforcement, particularly in venues like event halls. In light of these concerns, Major Engineer Abdullah Al-Dosari, Director of the Prevention Department for Al-Farwaniya Governorate in the Civil Defense, revealed the initiation of measures outlined in the "Fire Safety Code." This includes the provision of safety equipment and the installation of fire extinguishers in different halls, whether they are used for celebrations, educational purposes, or sports clubs, with the primary goal of safeguarding those who frequent these facilities.

Al-Dosari explained that part of these enhanced safety measures includes a fine of 20 dinars, which will be levied for each fire license that is not renewed before its expiration date, in addition to the regular renewal fees. He pointed out that license holders can apply for renewal for a period of two years, up to three months before the license's expiration.

Furthermore, the Prevention sector is actively considering the strengthening of safety equipment provisions and the installation of fire extinguishers in various halls. This effort aims to better protect attendees and minimize potential loss of life and property in the event of an unfortunate incident, similar to the devastating fire at a wedding hall in Iraq, where nearly 200 attendees lost their lives.

It is important to note that these proactive updates within the Civil Defense sector and the Prevention sector are taking place under the guidance of General Khaled Al-Mikrad, head of the Civil Defense, with the support and execution by the Deputy Head of the Prevention sector, Major General Khaled Fahad.

To facilitate the implementation of these measures, training courses are being provided to staff, educating them on how to effectively respond to fire incidents, from the initial notification to evacuation procedures and firefighting.

As for the work carried out by the "Prevention" sector, in Al-Farwaniya, the Prevention sector issued a total of 5,311 notices through 730 inspection rounds and campaigns conducted by the governorate's inspectors. This effort led to the administrative closure of 74 facilities during the third quarter of 2023.

The Prevention sector in Al-Farwaniya has also streamlined the processing of transactions. Transactions are now completed within 48 hours, provided that all required documents are submitted by the overseeing engineering office, along with project study supervision. These applications can be submitted via the General Fire Department's website, eliminating the need for in-person visits. This innovation has not only saved time and effort for employees and applicants but has also eliminated the long queues that were previously witnessed at the department.

Regarding the successful involvement of engineering offices in project studies, Al-Dosari emphasized their significant role in facilitating project licensing according to fire safety requirements, without delays in processing transactions. Property owners or the overseeing engineering offices can easily check the status of their applications through the General Fire Department's website, using the transaction number, without the necessity of visiting the department in person.

When asked about the primary challenges faced, Al-Dosari highlighted an issue related to elevators in private residences. He noted that many property owners do not purchase elevators or their maintenance from Civil Defense-approved companies, despite there being more than 13 such approved elevator companies. Property owners can find a list of these approved companies on the department's website or by contacting the Prevention Center in any governorate for inquiries. To prevent issues like elevator failures or shutdowns, it's essential for property owners to prioritize elevator maintenance.

Additionally, Al-Dosari stressed the importance of having a fire license for all government, commercial, and investment facilities. These licenses must be prominently displayed and visible in the facility. The licenses have a duration of two years, and there are currently no plans to reduce this duration. Furthermore, it is a requirement for these facilities to have a functional fire extinguisher, which must meet specific license conditions. Inspection officers scrutinize the validity of these licenses, check the compliance of extinguishers with licensing requirements, and confirm their functionality. If any doubts arise, inspectors request a maintenance certificate from the responsible company, and the company must be present during the inspection, particularly in industrial facilities to ensure legal compliance.

When addressing the state of horse stables, barns, and farms in Al-Farwaniya, property owners in the region should take steps to ensure safety and adhere to fire safety regulations.