Muscat – A series of fire incidents reported across Oman over the past 10 days has prompted renewed calls from the Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority (CDAA), the Royal Oman Police (ROP) and safety experts for the public to strictly adhere to fire prevention measures, particularly as soaring summer temperatures increase the risk of accidents.

The incidents come despite ongoing awareness campaigns aimed at reducing fires in homes, vehicles and commercial establishments during the hottest months of the year.

On May 31, firefighting teams from the CDAA in Muscat governorate successfully extinguished a blaze that broke out in a house in Seeb, with no injuries reported.

Just days later, on June 4, firefighters in Dhahirah Governorate responded to a vehicle fire in Dhank, bringing the situation under control without any casualties.

On June 5, civil defence teams in North Batinah tackled a fire involving paper waste at a factory in Suhar. The crews managed to contain and extinguish the blaze before it could spread further, preventing more extensive damage.

The most serious incident occurred on June 7, when firefighters responded to a restaurant fire in Amerat that led to the explosion of a gas cylinder. Two people sustained serious injuries and were transported by ambulance to hospital for emergency medical treatment.

In light of these incidents, authorities have intensified public awareness efforts, urging residents to familiarise themselves with basic fire safety procedures. The CDAA advises people to immediately switch off electricity and gas supplies, if it is safe to do so, remove flammable materials from the vicinity and evacuate the premises without delay while assisting children, the elderly and persons with disabilities.

The authority also recommends checking doors for heat before opening them, covering the nose and mouth with a damp cloth if smoke is present, crawling close to the ground during evacuation to avoid inhaling toxic fumes, and never re-entering a burning building to retrieve belongings.

Households and businesses are encouraged to prepare and practise emergency evacuation plans and ensure that fire extinguishers and other first-response equipment are readily available and in working condition.

ROP and CDAA have also issued specific advice for motorists, stressing the importance of conducting regular vehicle inspections, particularly before embarking on long-distance journeys during the summer. Drivers have been urged to avoid leaving vehicles parked for extended periods under direct sunlight and to routinely check for fuel or oil leaks that could increase the risk of fire.

Authorities stressed that routine maintenance of electrical systems, gas installations, air-conditioning units and vehicles can significantly reduce the likelihood of fires.

The CDAA also reminded the public to seek immediate assistance in the event of a fire or other emergency by calling 9999 or 24343666, emphasising that early reporting can save lives and minimise property damage.

Officials say community awareness, preventive maintenance and swift reporting remain the most effective tools for reducing fire-related risks and protecting lives and property during Oman’s peak summer season.