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UAE: Fishermen get free equipment, training to prevent fires on boats

Ajman - Al Shamsi said fishing boat fires represent a small percentage of fire accidents, but they have serious consequences for passengers and property.

Over 100 fire extinguishers have been distributed among fishermen in Ajman in a bid to reduce fire-related accidents in boats and dhows anchored on the emirate's shores.

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The initiative also saw the men trained to prevent, and contain the spread of, such incidents.

Brig. Abdul Aziz Al Shamsi, Director-General of Ajman Civil Defence, confirmed that a total of 111 fire extinguishers with a capacity of 4 kgs were donated to the Fishermen Association in a bid to raise awareness and prevent the occurrence of fires on fishing boats.

The fire safety equipment was provided to educate them about safety methods on fishing boats, the potential dangers of fires, how to use fire extinguishers, as well as general instructions on how to behave during a fire.

He added that the fishermen were instructed on the proper response to such emergency situations with an emphasis on not risking their lives in the process. They were reminded of the need to immediately alert the Civil Defence in case of a fire.

Al Shamsi explained that fires occurred in boats due to several reasons, including the lack of awareness of the users and failure to ensure periodic maintenance, which may lead to ignition of the fuel tank, with fires then spreading to flammable materials on the boat.

Al Shamsi noted that fishing boat fires represent a small percentage of fire accidents, but they have serious consequences for passengers and property.

It was important, therefore, to overcome these risks by spreading awareness among fishermen and to ensure that the highest safety standards are applied in all places to keep everyone safe, he said.