JEDDAH, 12 January 2003 — An investigation into the large number of house fires in the Dammam area has revealed that poor electrical wiring is the most common cause, with the misuse of matches and lighters coming a close second.
Lt. Col. Adel Al-Muzen told Okaz newspaper that during the last Hijra year there were more than 20 fires as a result of poor electrical wiring, 14 as a result of carelessness with matches and lighters and 14 more because of the extraordinarily hot weather.
Discarded cigarettes caused 12 fires, gas leaks six and general poor maintenance a further eight.
