Kuwait Fire Force’s new guidelines safeguard investment buildings from fires
The department is currently working on a project to link investment buildings to its main operations room, with completion anticipated by the end of this year.
• New requirements mandate the installation of fire sprinklers in all investment housing, regardless of height, whereas previously only buildings over ten floors were required to have them.
Major General Khaled Fahad, head of the Kuwait Fire Force, announced that new requirements will be implemented for investment buildings. He also mentioned that a project is underway to connect these buildings to the force’s main operations room, which is expected to be completed by the end of this year, according to Al Rai newspaper.
Major General Khaled Fahad told KUNA that “this is part of the procedures and steps to prevent fires and minimize their occurrence. There are many other measures being focused on, especially after the recent Al-Mangaf fire, including intensified inspections of buildings, particularly concerning the suspensions and roof doors of facilities, as well as conducting inspection rounds on basements and storage areas.
He explained that new requirements will be implemented, including the installation of fire sprinklers in investment housing. Previously, only buildings higher than ten floors were required to have these sprinklers, but now all buildings will be obligated to install them, regardless of their height.
In response to a question about the possibility of applying the building ‘code’ to private housing, as is done for commercial properties, he stated that “the fire force law excludes private housing from the safety requirements set by the force. However, the department periodically provides advice to private housing owners to take measures to ensure safety. These measures include simple requirements such as having a smoke detector and a fire extinguisher.”
He added that “simple requirements also include ensuring that the elevators used are approved by the Kuwait Fire Force and that gas installations are certified. These are straightforward procedures that do not require licenses. When citizens adhere to these protocols, risks will decrease, enhancing the safety of private housing owners.”
He noted the positive response from citizens, stating, “Some have begun to implement all necessary security and safety measures in their facilities. There is no objection to collaborating with Kuwait Municipality and the General Organization for Housing Welfare to provide these requirements upon plan approval, which is currently under review and will be acted upon soon.”
He continued, “It has been observed that there is a decrease in the number of fires due to increased citizen awareness. Firefighting must also follow the licensing requirements, which need to be renewed. Additionally, only companies approved by the force can operate, and each company must submit a monthly report to the force.”
In this regard, he stressed that “the inspection teams work periodically to assess all facilities. The owner’s commitment to the safety of their facility is the main element in achieving safety and security.
Major General Khaled Fahad sent a message to everyone, especially to the owners of private and investment housing, stating, “We are all in this together. As the fire force, we work around the clock to protect the lives and property of citizens and residents.”
