Fire safety inspections intensify across Sharjah industrial zones
Iain Hoey
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Warnings issued during fire safety campaign
According to Gulf News, the Sharjah Civil Defence has issued over 4,200 warnings to businesses for failing to meet fire safety regulations during the first half of 2025.
The Civil Defence conducted more than 18,700 inspections, including 13,306 surprise visits, across key industrial areas including Al Saja’a and areas 6, 10, 17 and 18.
Brigadier General Yousef Obaid Bin Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director General of Sharjah Civil Defence, said several fires were found and contained during inspections.
Al Shamsi said: “We encountered several fire incidents during our inspections. In some cases, the fires had just started, and our teams were able to extinguish them immediately.
“These inspections are not just about enforcement—they are about saving lives.”
Establishments were given 72 hours to address non-compliance before further action is taken.
Training and response during inspections
During the campaign, Civil Defence teams provided on-site fire safety training for workers.
Brigadier Al Shamsi explained: “We don’t just issue warnings—we teach staff what to do if a fire breaks out.”
Sessions focused on first-response tactics and safe evacuation procedures.
Civil Defence staff said educating workers directly on site helps ensure the guidance is understood and immediately applicable.
This educational approach is intended to reduce delays in response during real fire emergencies.
Types of violations identified by inspectors
Officials reported multiple common safety breaches.
These included improper storage of flammable substances, blocked emergency exits and use of outdated fire safety equipment.
Some buildings had been altered without approval or operated without a fire safety licence.
Inspectors also found poorly maintained worker housing and storage layouts that compromised fire suppression systems.
Additional concerns included overloaded circuits, overcrowded accommodations and obstructions that prevented sprinkler activation.
Revised fire safety standards for high-risk sites
Sharjah Civil Defence has introduced rules to limit fire hazards in facilities without automatic suppression systems.
Storage heights must remain below three metres and leave one metre of space below sprinklers.
Racking must be kept at least one metre from structural elements, and mezzanines are limited to half the ground floor area.
Facilities handling hazardous goods face stricter obligations.
These include separation of reactive chemicals, use of fire-resistant rooms, certified system checks and electrical safety precautions.
Regular cleaning is also required to remove flammable debris.
Evacuation, exits and fire detection requirements
Emergency planning was a key element of the inspection checklist.
Facilities are now required to have two clearly marked and illuminated emergency exits.
Corridors must remain 1.2 metres wide to allow safe passage during evacuations.
Evacuation maps must be displayed prominently.
Routine checks of alarm and detection systems must also be carried out and documented.
These requirements aim to ensure readiness in the event of an incident.
Digital reporting and future enforcement
Brigadier Al Shamsi is encouraging firms to use the Civil Defence digital platform to apply for a Fire Prevention Compliance Certificate.
After violations are addressed, companies must report back.
Civil Defence inspectors will revisit sites to confirm issues have been resolved.
If problems remain, legal action will be taken.
Brigadier Al Shamsi said: “Our goal is simple. We want every industrial facility in Sharjah to operate safely and responsibly. These aren’t just rules—they’re life-saving measures.”
The next stage of the campaign will extend to all industrial sites in the emirate.
Sharjah Civil Defence enforces fire safety in industrial areas: Summary
Sharjah Civil Defence has conducted 18,714 inspections in industrial zones in the first half of 2025.
The campaign included 5,408 scheduled visits and 13,306 surprise checks.
Officials issued 4,293 warnings to establishments for fire safety breaches.
Warnings were issued for storage violations, blocked exits, outdated equipment and illegal building modifications.
On-site fires were found and extinguished during some inspections.
Workers received training in fire response during site visits.
Facilities without automatic suppression systems must now follow updated safety rules.
Hazardous material storage requires additional fire-resistant and electrical safeguards.
Facilities must ensure at least two lit emergency exits and 1.2 metre-wide escape routes.
Evacuation plans must be displayed and alarms regularly serviced.
Businesses must report back after fixing violations and will be re-inspected.
Unresolved issues will result in legal consequences.
Sharjah Civil Defence encourages digital certificate applications through its platform.
The campaign will expand to all remaining industrial areas.