Fire Department Issues Warning Against Open Fires Until 31 October

In a written statement, the Police General Directorate Fire Department emphasized that fires lit in inappropriate areas can quickly get out of control and lead to wildfires. The department urged the public to comply with existing fire safety laws and included the following key warnings:

• Do not discard cigarette butts without making sure they are completely extinguished. Avoid throwing them onto roadsides, into forested areas, onto other land, into trash bins, or onto any flammable material.

• Do not use highly flammable substances like thinner or gasoline to ignite barbecues. Ensure that no easily flammable items (such as wood, fabric, or timber) or substances are present around the area used for barbecuing.

• Avoid plugging multiple high-current devices (e.g., irons, toasters, hair dryers) into extension sockets. Plug such devices directly into the wall outlet. Refrain from using worn-out or coiled extension cables, and never leave high-power devices operating unattended.

• If oil in an active deep fryer catches fire, first unplug the appliance and then extinguish the flames with a fire extinguisher. If no extinguisher is available, cover the fryer with a damp cloth (after wringing out excess water) and wait for it to cool. Never use water, as this can cause the fire to spread.

• Tree branches touching power lines must be pruned—but only after cutting off the electricity to prevent fire risks. Clear dry grass underneath, and ensure firefighting equipment is nearby during trimming.

• If you notice any hazardous conditions such as transformer stations, leaning electricity poles, touching cables, or branches likely to fall on power lines in bad weather, report them immediately by calling 188 Electrical Fault Hotline.

• To prevent fires caused by fuel leaks, short circuits, or sparks, make sure personal, public transport, agricultural, and fuel-carrying vehicles are regularly maintained and undergo timely checks on exhaust systems and tires.

• Keep a fire extinguisher in your vehicle, home, and workplace, and learn how to use it to help control fires before they spread.

The public is strongly urged to report any signs of smoke or fire immediately by calling:

• 199 Fire Emergency Line

• 177 Forest Fire Emergency Line

• 155 Police Emergency Line