Mariam Nihal

Saudi Gazette

JEDDAH — A fire in Jeddah’s Al-Safa district caused panic after residents from neighboring areas gathered at the scene.



The chaos was criticized by local residents.



Saeed Amtullah, a 48-year-old Saudi living in the district, said: "People have no sense. Bystanders overcrowding the streets.



“I mean, what is the point of gathering around? There are ambulances and fire trucks trying to enter the scene, but first you have to get rid of the people blocking the roads."



Maha Ahmad, a 34-year-old teacher, living near Shobra market, said she saw dark grey clouds gather outside her balcony and did not know what to do. "I thought there was a fire in my building. I woke my family up and we went downstairs. I mean, we are not equipped with options. In case of a fire what do we do?"



Many local residents present at the scene said fire outbreaks are becoming a common scene and fear fatalities in the future.



Ahmad Nujoom, a 45-year-old Pakistani engineer, said: "I want to know how safe it is. Panda was on fire yesterday (in Jeddah’s Faisaliah district) and the industrial area less than a week ago.



“I don't know how families deal with this. We need to have a system that teaches us to deal with such risky situations."



Many Saudis complained about businesses and local establishments operating without being certified by the Civil Defense.



Ayaz Abdullah, a 34-year-old Indian accountant, said: "There are many companies operating without a license and no one is checking up on them.



“Factories and local warehouses should be checked and installed with safety features.”



A Pakistani teacher living in Al-Safa district said: “We should have a fire drill and safety program taught at every school, neighborhood and we should be informed in cases of fire at a mall or public area.



“We should educate our children and bystanders on the streets to move away from the scene instead of blocking police and vehicles that are trying to help the situation.”