Kuwait tackles over 2,000 fire incidents in H1, 2026

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 17: Kuwait Fire Force teams and rescue units handled 8,282 out of 8,751 emergency calls across the country during the first half of 2026, official spokesman Brig. Gen. Mohammad Al- Gharib said Thursday. In an interview with KUNA, Al- Gharib said the calls included 3,171 rescue reports, 2,545 false-alarm calls, 2,159 fire reports, 819 public service calls and 57 other incidents. He said the 2,159 fire reports comprised 629 fires in residential areas, 314 in non-residential areas, 432 road transport incidents and 778 incidents in other locations, in addition to five aviation incidents and one land accident. Al-Gharib added that the total number of rescue reports handled by firefighting teams and other relevant authorities reached 3,432, most of which occurred in Ahmadi Governorate.

On public awareness, Al-Gharib stressed the importance of complying with safety, security and fire-prevention requirements, noting that electrical short circuits were among the most common causes of fires during the period. He urged citizens and residents to conduct regular maintenance of electrical wiring and connections through qualified technicians, avoid overloading sockets and electrical connections, and refrain from using equipment that does not meet safety standards. He also called for not leaving electrical appliances and equipment unattended, disconnecting unused devices from power sources, and taking seriously any signs of electrical malfunction, burning odors or smoke.

Al-Gharib stressed that compliance with safety and prevention measures directly contributes to reducing fires and protecting lives and property, urging people to promptly contact the relevant authorities in emergencies. He highlighted the importance of installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in homes and facilities, ensuring they are functional and easily accessible, and teaching family members and workers how to use them. Early warning and initial firefighting equipment can help detect fires early and limit their spread before firefighting teams arrive, he said. He also warned against leaving children unattended near electrical sources, flames or hot appliances, or storing flammable materials near heat sources. He urged proper storage of gas cylinders and chemicals in suitable, well-ventilated locations away from children’s reach.  (KUNA)