Abdullah Al-Jeddawi, head of the Civil Defense in Jeddah, said in a statement on Sunday that foul play is not being ruled out.
“Preliminary investigations have led us to three possible causes for Thursday’s fire. We suspect that either a gas cylinder exploded in a kitchen, or there was a short circuit since a room in one of the buildings was filled with all sorts of electrical wires and power extensions. Some were hidden under beds and carpet,” he said.
“We are also investigating whether the fire was deliberate and we’re thoroughly investigating the possibility of this,” he added.
One local resident spoke of rumors that the blaze was deliberate. “There are rumors in the area that the houses were burned intentionally, most likely by the owners themselves. The initial idea is that if a house burns and collapses, the land can then be sold for a huge sum of money. I think the police should investigate,” said the resident.
Bashir Abu Najm, director of the Commercial Licensing and Monitoring at the municipality, said there is a possibility that some of the electrical devices involved in the fire were of counterfeit brands. “The local market is full of counterfeit goods that are sold as brand names and stamped for quality; a power outlet or power extension that failed to meet Saudi safety standards might very well be behind the fire,” he said.
“It is part of the Commercial Supervision Department’s job to explain the dangers of counterfeit goods in the market, especially when it comes to products that can harm people,” said Al-Jeddawi.
“None of the building owners or occupants visited the Civil Defense office after the fire nor have any of them returned to the buildings,” said Al-Jeddawi.
