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Dubai Civil Defence to upgrade services

DUBAI — The Dubai Civil Defence has drafted a sound strategy for the period 2008-2015 after tremendous achievements on various fronts during the year 2007 such as introduction of advanced equipment, acquisition of modern fire-fighting vehicles, setting up of the first laboratory that investigates fire-fighting cases, and a safety and preventive centre to gauge the commitment to norms of safety and fire-fighting projects.

As part of the strategy, the department will establish four new civil defence stations during the year 2008 and 30 more civil defence stations will come up in Dubai by 2015.

A number of private and real estate companies have lately announced that they would set up new civil defence stations so as to enhance the civil defence services in the emirate of Dubai.

Dubai Civil Defence Director-General Brigadier Thani Rashid Al Matroushi said during the year 2007 the department had acquired a number of fire-fighting and support equipment and in the year 2008 it is planning to adequately equip the new stations and acquire four fire-fighting boats for the Martime Fire-fighting and Rescue Department.

Brig Al Matroushi said during the year 2007 the technical department of the Dubai Civil Defence modified a number of fire-fighting vehicles to meet the work requirement. This modernisation covered the light fire-fighting cars, respiratory ambulance car that can carry 250 oxygen cylinders for use at fire sites, and two cars that can be used for hazardous situations.

He said the department continues to improve the executive procedures to operate the first laboratory for fire-fighting investigation. This laboratory in the Al Aweer area will be completed in the year 2008.

A fire safety and preventive centre was set up in June 2007 with the purpose of reviewing and studying all files referred to the Dubai Civil Defence to ensure that the projects comply by international standards.

During the year 2007, the Inspection Wing of the Hazardous Materials Section carried out 366 inspections of restaurants in 40 shopping malls, and suprise inspections of restaurants and vehicles that carry hazardous materials.

The department has taken many hazard prevention measures, including prohibiting vehicles loaded with hazardous materials from parking in residential areas or passing through the tunnels. This measure has been ensured in coordination with the General Department of Traffic.

In addition, the department also imparted training in safety procedures to the drivers who transport hazardous materials.