STAFF CORRESPONDENT

The country recorded 26,659 fire incidents last year -- an average of 73 per day, according to a report by the Fire Service and Civil Defence.

Electrical malfunctions were the leading cause, accounting for 9,069 fire incidents, or 33.98 percent of all cases.

Cigarette butts ranked second, responsible for 4,139 fires (15.52 percent), followed by stoves with 3,056 incidents (11.46 percent).

Fires from haystacks totalled 4,513 (16.92 percent), while kitchens caused 2,411 incidents (9.04 percent).

Other notable causes included unruly mobs 789, children playing with fire (759), gas cylinder leakages (704), and gas line malfunctions (465).

The fires claimed 140 lives -- 107 men and 33 women -- and left 341 injured, including 237 men, 104 women, and 37 firefighters.

Two firefighters lost their lives during rescue operations.

Brig Gen Muhammad Jahed Kamal, FSCD director general, said poor electrical systems are a significant contributor. “Cables often look fine externally but are compromised internally. Loose connections frequently cause overheating,” he said.

He stressed the need for regular audits by relevant departments.

He added that awareness campaigns had reduced fire incidents in the garment sector. However, residential buildings remained the most vulnerable, accounting for 7,131 fire incidents

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