"Fire Department": 8,282 reports during the first half of 2026
The official spokesperson for the General Fire and Rescue Force, Colonel Muhammad Al-Gharib, confirmed on Thursday that fire and rescue teams handled 8,282 reports out of a total of 8,751 across all governorates of the country during the first half of 2026.
In an interview with the Kuwait News Agency (KUNA), Colonel Al-Gharib stated that the reports comprised 3,171 rescue calls, 2,545 good-faith reports, 2,159 fire reports, 819 general service reports, and 57 other incidents.
He added that the total number of fire reports reached 2,159, distributed as follows: 629 fires in residential areas, 314 in non-residential areas, 432 incidents involving land transport, and 778 in other areas, in addition to five aviation incidents and one land-based incident.
On the awareness front, Colonel Al-Gharib emphasized the importance of adhering to safety and fire prevention requirements, noting that "electrical short circuits were among the most common causes of fires during the aforementioned period."
He stressed the necessity of not leaving electrical appliances and equipment unattended while in operation, disconnecting power to unused devices, and taking any signs of electrical malfunction, burning odors, or smoke emission seriously.
He noted that compliance with safety and preventive measures directly contributes to reducing the outbreak of fires and protecting lives and property, urging the public to contact the relevant authorities promptly in the event of any emergency.
He highlighted the importance of installing smoke detectors and fire extinguishers in homes and facilities, ensuring they are in working order and easily accessible, and familiarizing family members and staff with their proper use. He affirmed that the presence of alarm systems and initial firefighting equipment can help detect fires early and limit their spread before fire crews arrive.
Al-Gharib warned against leaving children unattended near electrical sources, flames, or hot appliances, and against storing flammable materials near heat sources. He called for "storing gas cylinders and chemical substances in appropriate, well-ventilated locations, out of reach of children."
