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‘A Wake-up Call for Those Using Barbecue Equipment Indoors’

DUBAI — Authorities have warned residents against using barbecue equipment indoors after a man was burnt to death after trying to light a grill with petrol. Shiraz Abdul Rahman, 37, suffered more than 90 per cent burns in the incident that took place in his apartment in Al Ghusais on Friday.

He died in Rashid Hospital on Saturday morning while his two-year-old son Hanis, who suffered 35 per cent burns, is still in the ICU in Al Wasl Hospital. According to his relatives, fire engulfed the barbecue carriage and spread as petrol was used to ignite the grill.

“This should be a wake-up call to those who make barbecues in apartments,” said Director of Public Health and Safety at Dubai Municipality Redha Hassan Salman.

“We have several laws that prohibit unsafe practices that endanger health and safety. People still do things like these out of ignorance. But, it is common sense that petrol is highly inflammable and venturing a barbecue inside a flat can only be dangerous,” he said.

“There is always a risk of fire and the smoke can affect the neighbours. It can be dangerous even in balconies as it can get windy,” he noted.

Salman said it was desirable for people to make use of the designated areas for barbecues in public parks that are specifically designed for the purpose.

Mahmood Hamad, spokesperson of the Dubai Civil Defense said that there were no laws banning people from using the equipment inside their homes. However, it was unsafe for people to light fires using petrol or kerosene. He also said that use of charcoal could affect respiratory systems of people, especially small children.

‘‘In buildings and flats, people should taking all preventive measures — they should leave exits open and not leave any obstacles. They should also keep a fire extinguisher at home to use in the event of fire.”

sajila@khaleejtimes.com

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