According to figures recently announced by Brigadier Salem Mautrofi, Director of Civil Defence in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, more than 50 fires were recorded this year in domestic kitchens during the month of Ramadan, a period of fasting, self-evaluation and spiritual growth.

As well as holding housewives responsible for not following proper methods of preparing, heating and frying foods, Brigadier Mautrofi also said that the fires were a result of high temperatures. Many of the kitchen fires during Ramadan were triggered by increasing electrical loads due to the simultaneous use of a number of appliances to prepare meals. Gas leaks caused by a lack of routine inspection and maintenance were also singled out as a cause of domestic kitchen fires.

His recommendations included using electric frying appliances to avoid the risk of ignition of oil, and avoiding wearing baggy clothing made of highly flammable materials while preparing meals. He also advised housewives to ensure that the power supply is turned off when cleaning appliances.