On Tuesday, January 21, 2025, the College of Administration and Economics hosted a national workshop titled “Emergencies and Safety in the Face of Unwanted Fires,” aimed at addressing fire safety challenges and equipping participants with essential prevention and response strategies. The event featured a comprehensive presentation by Lieutenant Shakhawan Saeed Salih, spokesperson for Erbil Civil Defence, and began with an introduction by Assistant Lecturer Abdulqader Abdulammer, who underscored the critical importance of fire safety awareness in modern life.
In his opening remarks, Abdulammer emphasized that the increasing frequency of fire incidents, particularly in urban and industrial areas, calls for proactive education and readiness to minimize risks and losses. Insights and Challenges
Lieutenant Shakhawan provided a detailed overview of the causes of unwanted fires, focusing on common triggers such as electrical malfunctions, improper handling of flammable materials, and negligence in safety protocols. He highlighted recent fire incidents in residential buildings, commercial complexes, and industrial facilities, illustrating the devastating effects of inadequate fire safety measures.
One of the pressing challenges discussed was the lack of proper fire safety infrastructure in many areas, including insufficient fire alarms, outdated firefighting equipment, and limited public awareness about emergency response procedures. Recommendations to Overcome Fire Hazards
Lieutenant Shakhawan offered a series of actionable recommendations to mitigate fire risks, including:
Collaboration with Civil Defence: encouraging partnerships between local authorities and civil defense units to enhance rapid response capabilities.
Upgrading Fire Safety Systems: Regular maintenance and modernization of fire alarms, sprinklers, and extinguishers to ensure their functionality in emergencies.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Conduct educational programs to teach individuals how to identify hazards, use firefighting tools, and safely evacuate during a fire.
Strengthening Building Regulations: Enforcing stricter codes to ensure all residential, commercial, and industrial buildings adhere to fire safety standards.
Emergency Preparedness Training: organizing fire drills in workplaces, schools, and communities to familiarize people with evacuation procedures.
Practical Guidance
During the session, attendees were given practical demonstrations on the proper use of fire extinguishers, techniques for assessing fire risks, and best practices for creating emergency evacuation plans.
A Call to Action
Participants lauded the workshop for its insightful and practical approach, emphasizing the need for collective efforts to improve fire safety across all sectors. They called for more frequent initiatives like this to build a culture of responsibility and preparedness.
The College of Administration and Economics reaffirmed its commitment to addressing real-world challenges through educational initiatives, emphasizing that fire safety is not just a professional concern but a societal responsibility. The workshop served as a timely reminder of the importance of vigilance, preparation, and community collaboration in combating the growing threat of fire emergencies.
