Pet vehicle to help animals in fire incidents

Dubai - Two animal minders will be present in the vehicle, which can house 30 to 40 creatures at a time and has cleaning and waste disposal facilities

Amira Agarib

Published: Tue 22 Aug 2017, 6:07 PM

Last updated: Tue 22 Aug 2017, 8:16 PM

The Dubai Civil Defence will soon launch a specialised mobile pet shelter, to care for animals and birds caught in fire or accident scenes.
Lieutenant Colonel Ali Hassan Al Mutawa, assistant director of smart services department at Dubai Civil Defence (DCD), said the new vehicle will be used during accidents and fires in the emirate to house animals and provide care and health support for them.
Two animal minders will also be present in the vehicle, which can house 30 to 40 creatures at a time and has cleaning and waste disposal facilities.
Lieutenant Colonel Suleiman Al Baloushi, director of Technical Affairs Department at DCD, said the designs for the unit are ready, and technician teams are currently working to set up and equip the vehicle.
Lt Col Al Mutawa pointed out that 180 fire incidents were recorded during the first half of 2017, a drop in numbers from the same period last year. This year's fires included 163 minor fires, nine medium ones and eight big blazes, compared to 2016's 199 accidents consisting of 189 minor fires, six medium ones and four big blazes, including two that broke out in towers.
DCD is also working to implement plans and strategies to ensure the fastest response and access to fire scenes. The current average response time in reaching the fire scene is 8.8 minutes.
Most fire were caused by electrical short circuits, with commercial establishments being most prone to catching fire, followed by residential units. Lt Col Al Mutawa said the DCD is studying causes of fire and methods to reduce its incidence, besides raising fire-prevention awareness among the community.
DCD implements public awareness programmes and conducts evacuation drills - 464 were carried out this year, benefitting 234,121 people in government and private offices, residences, hospitals, public facilities and buildings and tall towers.
amira@khaleejtimes.com