The Ministry of Education has banned schools from using wood and coal heaters because of the danger of carbon monoxide poisoning and fires.

The ministry issued the directive in a circular recently after inspectors found some schools using these types of fuel to heat classrooms.

Saudi Arabia is in the midst of one of its coldest winters on record, with heavy rain and snowfall over several parts of the country.

The ministry said in the circular that school administrations should not use heating methods that could endanger the lives of students and teachers.

The ministry’s directive follows the Civil Defense issuing a warning to the public through the media and social networking sites on the use of wood and coal indoors.

The Civil Defense stated that the emissions from burning wood and coal could cause severe brain and respiratory illnesses. It advised the public to only burn these fuels outdoors away from highly flammable material such as beds, clothes and tents.

If people use wood and coal indoors, there should be adequate ventilation provided by opening windows and doors, the Civil Defense said.