A Research Project on Fire Safety Awareness Among Families in Saudi Arabia

Abstract

Fire safety awareness is an educational activity in which a composition of practices meant to reduce the devastating effects of fire is made known to anyone who can be affected in case of a fire accident. This educational process is essential and should be seen as essential to Saudi nationals so that they can be familiar with best practices that can be put in place to avoid creating fire risks, as well as the measures to be taken in case of accidental fire outbreaks. This research study sought to explore the major causes of residential fires in Saudi Arabia, investigate major fire accidents in Saudi Arabia, recommend how to begin to deal with the problem, determine the efficacy of fire safety legislation protocol in Saudi Arabia, and explore the need for fire safety awareness among families in Saudi Arabia. This study, which involved 906 residents and 13 officers in Saudi’s Directorate of Civil Defense, was based on a pragmatic research paradigm and mixed methods research design underpinned by Systems theory. The study used a questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis to explore fire safety awareness and major fire accidents in Saudi Arabia. Based on the research objectives, the study found out that: Gas cylinders, electrical technical faults, and arson are major causes of fire accidents in Saudi Arabia; few cases of major fire accidents have been recorded, Directorate of Civil Defense department is less effective in acting upon fire accident emergencies, and Saudi nationals have a low perception of fire safety awareness. The study recommended that fire safety awareness be ensured among Saudi nationals, care to be taken to record fire incidents well, Directorate of Civil defense should improve its speed in responding to fire accidents and enforce the safety procedures across Saudi Arabia.

CHAPTER ONE: GENERAL INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction

Fire, in scientific terms, is a state of combustion in which fuel or other material is ignited and combined with oxygen, giving off light, heat, and flame. Despite playing a chief role in shaping ecosystems by serving as a medium of renewal and change, fire can be dreadfully detrimental, causing the destruction of homes and peoples’ lives, wildlife habitat, and timber and causing pollution of the air with emissions harmful to human health. Fire safety, in simple terms, can be defined as a composition of practices meant to reduce the devastating effects of fire. Thus, fire safety awareness is an educational process intended to remind everyone of the best practices that can be put in place to avoid creating fire risks and the measures to be taken in case of fire outbreaks. This educational plan sounds like a reminder to people of specific prevention techniques and safety procedures that apply to various contexts of fire outbreaks.

In recent years, the world has experienced increased wildfires and heat waves, raising great concerns (Karma, Chalaris & Schismenos, 2019). Apparently, the anticipated climatic changes will lead to increased occurrences of such phenomena around the world in the future. Every year, wildfire outbreaks lead to a ton of prop destruction and deaths, especially in the areas where the wildland interface with vast urban settings, affecting many people in ecosystems and biodiversity. With such records at hand, the world needs to consider those devastating wildfire disasters may soon change into technological disasters in the sense that these fires may hit heavily industrialized areas leading to the emission of very toxic substances into the environment (Karma, Chalaris & Schismenos, 2019). Despite the formation of fire safety laws and policies, technological and environmental fire hazards threaten biodiversity and local populations. Recently major fire outbreaks have occurred around the world, which have caused catastrophic effects. Table 1 summarizes the notable outbreaks.

Table 1: Extract of Fire Accidents around the World (Karma et al., 2019)

In the context of Saudi Arabia, the risks of wildfires have been minor. However, there are fire outbreaks that have occurred as a result of explosions in the oil tanks. A recent example is the fire that erupted at the Saudi Aramco Petroleum storage site in 2022 when the site was hit during the Houthi Attack. Unfortunately, there is no official database to record such disasters as fire outbreaks in the country. Most official available information emanates from newspapers from the local area to the region where the disaster occurred. Traces of information on past fire outbreaks go back to one incidence where a fire started in a pilgrim’s tent near Makkah and spread to other tents (in 1975). The fire cause was identified to be a cylinder that exploded, killing two hundred pilgrims. Another incidence of fire occurred in 1997 when a gas stove exploded in one of the pilgrim’s tents, leading to a massive fire that quickly spread to nearby tents. It claimed the lives of 343 pilgrims, and more than 1,500 were wounded. This coerced the country’s authorities to design and start using the currently used fire-proof tents and banning gas-operated material. Despite these notable occurrences, cases of occurrence of residential fire are not uncommon among Saudi Arabian families. Yet, there has been no proper follow-up and establishment of a corresponding database that can hint at government interventions that can be put in place to cushion families from fire outbreaks. Moreover, technological hazards are increasingly becoming Saudi Arabia’s new potential risks that can cause catastrophic fire outbreaks. These hazards can occur due to damage to oil wells, leaking pipelines, accidental oil spillages, etc. Although the records and recent records reveal a substantial risk of fire in Saudi Arabia, it is unclear if Saudi Arabian families are cautioned and prepared to deal with fire outbreaks.

1.2 Aim(S) and Objectives

1. To explore the major causes of residential fires in Saudi Arabia
2. To investigate major fire accidents in Saudi Arabia
3. To recommend how to begin to deal with the problem.
4. To determine the efficacy of fire safety legislation protocol in Saudi Arabia
5. To explore the need for fire safety awareness among families in Saudi Arabia.

1.3 Research Methodology (Summary)

The research study intends to utilize a mixed-methods research design. This is due to the diverse nature of the objectives of the proposed study. Objectives one and four were tackled using the qualitative research approaches, while objectives two and three were achieved using quantitative research approaches. Moreover, this research being a study that explored wide content that emanates from the interaction of a range of contexts spanning from historical, social, to political (Tillman, Clemence, and Jennifer, 2016), employed pragmatic research design in its dispensation. This study was based in Saudi Arabia. The study, whose target population range from residents of Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim tents, residents in urban and rural settings that have recently experienced fire outbreaks, to officers in charge of fire safety in Saudi Arabia, used purposive sampling to obtain its respondents. This is due to the fact that this study demanded that the researcher finds willing and information-rich respondents to fetch valuable information about fire safety awareness. The data collection instruments in this study were mixed close-ended and open-ended questionnaires and interview schedules. In addition, the researcher relied on relevant books, articles, dissertations, and journals as secondary sources of information.

This study also employed validity and reliability techniques. A pilot study was conducted to ensure the consistency of the data collection instruments. Expert knowledge of the supervisors was involved in ascertaining the validity of the research instruments. The research involved the use of excel and SPPS to analyze and present data in diagrams, tables, and figures. In addition, the analysis of themes was used to analyze the qualitative data for the study. The data presentation was done in clear, simple diagrams to allow readers to read and understand the project. The data was presented based on the research questions outlined in the project. The researcher also considered adherence to ethical and legal issues that pertain to research.

1.4 Summary of The Dissertation

Fire, despite being conceived as a fundamental resource in the ecosystem that serves as an enabler of energy change and renewal, can be detrimental to human life. There is a need, therefore, for humans to be aware of the dangers of fire outbreaks and abatement strategies in case of a fire outbreak. Saudi Arabia, despite miniaturizing fire outbreaks as a minor potential risk to its citizens, ought to enlighten its citizens on fire outbreaks and how to handle such cases, as fire outbreaks are increasingly becoming major menaces to all countries around the globe. This study that used a pragmatic philosophical paradigm used mixed methods research design to explore fire safety awareness in Saudi Arabia. The study used a purposive sampling technique to obtain respondents who were conducted to give their views through the use of questionnaires and an interview schedule. These respondents are fire experts, residents of Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim camps as well as residents from areas prone to fire outbreaks in Saudi Arabia. This study ensured validity and reliability through the use of expert judgment and piloting, respectively. Data analysis for the research involved themes as well as quantitative data analysis strategies with the aid of SPSS software. The entire endeavor upheld the applicable ethical and legal considerations.

1.5 Main Achievements

The researcher has been able to get the gist of the occurrence of fires not only around the world but also in Saudi Arabia (though Saudi Arabia’s database has little to do with fire outbreaks). In addition, the researcher has been able to establish the intended outcomes for the proposed study by identifying the aims and/or objectives of the research study. Lastly, the researcher has been able to determine the research methodology, outlining the applicable specifics that are essential in obtaining the intended results for the study. In a nutshell, the overall flow of the development of the proposal as well as the subsequent data collection, analysis, and presentation, has been mapped out, something very foundational in the entire endeavor of a research journey.

CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction

This chapter discusses diverse literature on fire ranging from fire disasters to fire safety. The chapter covers Fire- Overview, Lessons from Fire Incidences in the 20th Century Fire as a Global Hazard, Fire Hazards in India? Lessons for Saudi Arabia, Lessons on Fire Risks from Korea, Surge in Fire Risks and Urbanization: Relationship, Training on Fire Safety, Fire Safety in Building, Inquiry into Fire Safety Awareness and Fire Risks in Saudi Arabian Schools- Lessons, which are as discussed below.

2.2 Fire – Overview

Fire has contributed to the growth and prosperity of human civilization both in medieval and modern times. Fire has proven to be one of the deadliest natural phenomena known to humankind, even as it served as the forerunner of civilization as we know it. If not handled appropriately, fire can be very dangerous. It may cause several fatalities, serious injuries, and property losses. Fire is a wonderful servant but a cruel master. Due to the significant smoke pollution it produces and the greenhouse gases it releases, it can even have a negative impact on the ecology and the environment.

The Industrial Revolution played a key role in the development of fire risks in modern society. The pattern of human settlements was dispersed and distributed before this. In the past, people used to reside on their farms, which were physically isolated from one another by huge fields, making it unlikely that a fire would spread. Then, fire breakouts were only a concern for specific families. People began congregating in close quarters in metropolitan areas throughout the industrial revolution, which raised the likelihood that a fire would spread quickly. As a result, a fire in any home or business could spread to the entire neighborhood, changing the perspective of fire breakouts from an individual worry to a threat to the entire community. Due to explosions and fire outbreaks in factories and mills brought on by the equipment and machinery failing, the prevalence of fires also began to rise with industrialization (Satendra & Kaushik, 2014).

2.3 Lessons from Fire Incidences in the 20th Century.

Since the 1980s, the occurrence of fires has been attributed to a number of causes, most of which are associated with human activities (Cavallini M., Papagni M.F.& Baruffaldi F.W, 2007). These include involvement in terrorist activities, which include terrorist attacks, wars, and explosions of flammable material. Of the three human activities, the explosion of flammable material contributed to a significant portion of the total number of accidents. Outbreaks caused by the explosion of flammable materials in the past history caused the most dreadful effects on humans. Some examples of such include the explosion of Liquid Petroleum Gas container in Mexico in 1984 that claimed 550 deaths, leaving 7000 people injured, and the one that took place in the Urals region in 1989 that caused 2200 deaths and 3000 injuries (Cavallini et al., 2007). The causes identified to have been major contributors to fire outbreaks in the late 20th century relate to the context in the Asian continent as well as Saudi Arabia in particular. Asia historically is known to be vulnerable to hazards that emanate from terrorist attacks, some of which result in the fire which destroy households and premises. Moreover, wars are not uncommon as people are fighting for power and control of resources. Saudi Arabia is an oil-producing country, and therefore fire outbreaks that are caused by the explosion of flammable material are a big potential threat. Historical analysis of fire incidences in the 20th century, Cavallini et al (2007) conclude, reveals the great need for countries to devote substantial attention to controlling fire-related disasters. As this stand, there still exist inadequate statutory and international organizations to help in abating serious emergencies of fire outbreaks.

2.4 Fire as A Global Hazard

Both developed, and developing countries are now concerned about the possibility of fire threats. The International Association of Fire and Rescue Services’ Comité Technique International de prevention et d’extinction de Feu (CTIF) estimates that from 2013 to 2017, there were around 3.5 million documented fire incidents worldwide. Around 71 nations, according to 2016 WHO report, experience more than 300 annual fatalities from fire, heating, and hot chemicals (Centre of Fire Statistics, 2019). In 2017, the United States alone recorded 1.3 billion fire occurrences, placing it at the top of the list of nations with the most fire outbreaks. Italy and France were next, with 0.33 billion and 0.31 billion fire outbreaks, respectively (Centre of Fire Statistics, 2019). Additionally, the United States estimated that 23 billion USD worth of property damage occurred in 2017. (Evarts, 2018). Russia experienced 7,816 fatalities and 9,355 injuries in 2017, according to the CTIF’s 2019 report. Three thousand four hundred deaths were reported in the United States in 2017, which equates to just 1 fatality per 100,000 people. Despite the biggest number of fire incidents and significant property damage, there are few fatalities, which emphasizes the nation’s preparation efforts. This demonstrates how taking precautions can stop fire hazards from turning into fire disasters.

2.5. Lessons From Fire Disasters in India

India has one of the highest numbers of fire-related fatalities, and this rate is rising year. Between 2014 and 2015, there was a 300 percent increase in fire outbreaks in commercial buildings across the country, going from 179 to 716 instances. Building fires were the cause of 81 percent of deaths in 20 Indian cities in 2015. Fires were the cause of 3.1% of all accidental deaths in 2018. The majority of urban fires in our nation are caused by human activity. India’s urban slums are a significant source of the fire. Slum fires often occur in Indian towns, especially during the scorching, dry summer. Inadequate planning and improper norm implementation in urban areas are significant contributors to the rise in fire dangers because they encourage the development of unauthorized settlements and excessive densification. According to the 2011 Census, 17.4% of urban households reside in slums and unofficial settlements. Major cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Nagpur, Pune, Indore, and Bhopal are home to 65 percent of the nation’s slums. These unofficial communities are created without taking fire safety into account because they are exempt from building bylaws and planning restrictions. This has become an issue due to the growing population of urban slums. From the occurrences in India, the following come out:

First and foremost, despite being trained to act quickly, everywhere around the country, road congestion, encroachments, and limited access affect fire and emergency services. This frequently results in a delay in action, which entails life and property loss. The failure to rescue during the “golden hour” increases the number of casualties, making the authorities’ slow response to fire breakouts a serious problem. According to SFAC guidelines, there should be a fire station every 10 square kilometers in urban areas and every 50 square kilometers in rural areas, and response times should be between 3 and 7 minutes, depending on the risk level (NDRF & CD, 2012).

Secondly, several fire incidents in India are a result of the city authorities’ poor application of the legislation. In the majority of towns and cities, frequent monitoring and examination are quite uncommon. The risks are increased by the fact that non-operational firefighting devices are frequently installed in the buildings. Unauthorized buildings and structural flaws are other problems brought on by inadequate monitoring and ineffective enforcement. The requirement for careful adherence to the norms of operation for temporary facilities like pandals, celebration tents, etc., is made clear by fire disasters like the Dabwali Tragedy and the Fire at the Meerut Trade Fair.

Thirdly, the reason why fires break out so frequently in India is also due to the careless attitude and ignorance of people who lack awareness. Residents frequently break fire safety rules and standards, showing a lack of concern for their own safety. Due to people’s lax attitudes, problems like exit obstruction, the storing of extremely combustible goods, etc., also occur.

Another significant issue in Indian cities and towns is the usage of defective equipment that might cause fire breakouts. Users, particularly in business complexes, also have a tendency to load systems above the allowable limit, which frequently causes transformer fires. One such incident was the catastrophe at the Uphaar Cinema.

Some people complain that fire rescue teams are inefficient as they have inadequate tools to rescue victims. For example, in the case of Stephen Court Fire and Carlton Tower Fire, residents were unable to escape because the height of the ladders could not reach the upper floors, and the safety nets available with the rescue team were insufficient. According to the report of the Standing Fire Advisory Council (SFAC) under the MHA, India is currently facing a deficiency in infrastructure facilities: 97.54 percent in terms of fire stations, 80.04 percent in terms of fire vehicles, and 96.28 percent in terms of fire personnel.

Lastly, several fire incidents in India are a result of the city authorities’ poor application of the legislation. In the majority of towns and cities, frequent inspection and monitoring are quite uncommon. Risks are increased by the fact that non-operational firefighting systems are frequently placed in the buildings. Unauthorized structures and structural flaws are other problems brought on by inadequate monitoring and ineffective enforcement. The need for fire safety regulations for transient structures like pandals, wedding tents, etc., is made clear by fire tragedies like the Dabwali Tragedy and the Meerut Trade Fire. It’s important to keep an eye on the use of exterior cladding and insulation materials. Plans and designs for fire safety can also be created after consulting the Fire Department and Municipal Corporation. Bangalore’s fire blueprint plan is a good example of this.

2.6 Lessons on Fire Risks from Korea

Data from the Fire Department show that negligence was the root cause of 49.6% of 38,659 fire incidents that erupted in Korea in 2020. Eight hundred twenty-nine persons lost their lives or suffered injuries in large-scale fires over the course of the five-year period between 2015 and 2019, which saw an average of 9.5 such disasters per year. When the causes of the majority of large-scale fires were determined, it was discovered that mistakes made due to a deficiency of awareness of fire safety and sensitivity were the main contributors. Due to fires brought on by this absence of consciousness and insensitivity to safety, awareness to combat fire accidents is progressively being advocated in schools so that future generations can be well-acquainted with fire safety awareness. [3]. Safety education encompasses not only “safe living” in the 2015 updated curriculum, which incorporated the concept from the lower grades, but also planned repetition learning through imaginative experience subjects and activities as one of the subjects of trans-curricular learning [3]. It is essential to first recognize one’s own level of safety awareness in order to promote safety awareness and improve the efficiency of safety education. Examining a student’s fire safety knowledge can help address safety sensitivities as well as modify less-than-desirable fire safety awareness. [4, 17]. Additionally, the assessment of fire safety awareness improves the planning and effectiveness of education on fire safety and serves as an essential form of feedback for such education. Tools and procedures for measuring fire safety awareness that has been shown to be reliable and valid are needed for effective diagnosis.

2.7 Training on Fire Safety

Training on fire safety is an act of acquiring the public and building occupants’ knowledge of fire safety and making them aware of fire risks so that they can realize the peril caused by fire. The elementary focus of training on fire safety is founded on the knowledge and understanding of fire risks, the likeliness of various causes of fire outbreaks as well as the likely effect of fire disasters on the natural environment and built environment (Kuru, Omuteremu, & Nyandiko, 2017). Moreover, training on fire safety is focused on three main objectives: saving a life, conserving property, and ensuring business continuity. Therefore, efficient and adequate training on fire safety should be developed in such a way that it achieves the three objectives mentioned above. Martin (2013) suggested that training on fire safety has to do with acquiring building occupants with pertinent knowledge and skills that can help an individual comfortably apply fire safety measures so as to realize fire safety objectives. In addition, training on fire safety ought to incorporate the most current issues and trends so as to ensure that fire safety is enabled to an acceptable level. On the other hand, Chow (2001) asserted that training on fire safety should be done to the general public, as well as all owners of the building, so that they can accord fire safety the seriousness it deserves. Sufficient training on fire safety, especially for the general public owners of buildings and building occupants, is of great essence in all buildings that have a higher vulnerability to unforeseen fire outbreaks.

2.8 Inquiry into Fire Safety Awareness

Despite the fact that Saudi Arabia is lagging in matters of ensuring adequate awareness of its masses on fire safety, there have been several frontier studies in which fire safety awareness has been investigated among masses from elsewhere. Through these several studies ensuring validity and reliability has been an area of concern which was solved by the establishment of a standardized tool that assesses the level of fire safety awareness. This tool was advanced by Lee and Kong (2021). The survey tool is designed as shown in the Table below.

Table 2: Contents of each factor of 22 items on the fire safety awareness scale

Table 2: Showing each factor of 22 items in the fire awareness scale (Lee et al., 2021)

This tool has been tested and verified to be used as a reference in the case of examining fire safety awareness among participants in any area. It is a pertinent tool that is ideal for use in this study.

2.9 Fire Risks in Saudi Arabian Schools- Lessons

Many accidental tragedies have taken place in Saudi Arabian schools. These tragedies range from illnesses to fires which have resulted in several kinds of injuries and, to some extent, death among members of school fraternity. For example, in Mecca, a sacred city in Saudi Arabia, in the 2002, not less than fourteen girls succumbed on failing to successfully flee from an incident of fire. In addition, another fire incident took place in 2011 in Jeddah, one of Saudi Arabia’s largest. This tragic incident led to the death of two female teachers with more than 60 female students, together with some other school personnel injured. A fire accident also occurred on the 19^th Day of May 2014 in Jazan city in a classroom. In this incident, three female students were suffocated and rushed to the hospital. Those are but just a few accidents that have successfully been reported in Saudi Arabia’s national newspapers. It is possible that, in addition to those, several cases occurred almost daily, yet the country still lacks a national registry system in which such incidents as fires in schools, towns, and other places are reported and documented so as to be used as a point of reference in terms of establishing policies and sensitization measures to the country’s masses.

The occurrence of such events brings forth the need for emergency preparedness in all areas of the country and the role of associated personnel and safety officers in managing emergency events occurring in the country, such as fire outbreaks. It is of essence to understand that there is a pivotal link between disaster preparedness and emergency readiness. Thus, schools and other established structures have to be identified as a potential setting for fire accidents; hence there is a great need for pertinent interventions. The kingdom of Saudi Arabia at large ought to be prepared for an emergency such as fire safety and acquaint its masses with the required skills to enable individuals to be well prepared for such occurrences as fire accidents as well as complex outbreaks like society or general public disasters. In metropolitan regions, a large percentage of buildings used by inhabitants and institutions don’t satisfy the necessary safety standards (Lee & Kong, 2021). Many of the guidelines for emergency preparedness are not being followed by many Saudi Arabian schools and other human-occupied spaces. Particular areas of focus include school staff and student safety training and institutional safety monitoring. Additionally, Saudi Arabia’s majority of human occupations lack adequately educated safety personnel to deal with crises like fire breakouts. Saudi Arabia, one of the developing nations, lacks research aimed at assessing the issues associated with trauma and accidents, as well as strategies to decrease accidents that result in injuries. There is a shortage of accurate statistics on the prevalence and incidence of accidents and injuries, despite the fact that this information is crucial for planning health care, intervention programs, and public policy. The effectiveness of programs addressing safety, injury, and emergency issues is nevertheless constrained by significant information gaps in these fields. It is important to make an effort to better educate school staff members on how to identify and handle life-threatening events like fire outbreaks.

This study also employed validity and reliability techniques. A pilot study was conducted to ensure the consistency of the data collection instruments. Expert knowledge of the supervisors was involved in ascertaining the validity of the research instruments. The research involved the use of excel and SPPS to analyze and present data in diagrams, tables, and figures. In addition, the analysis of themes was used to analyze the qualitative data for the study.

CHAPTER THREE: RESEARCH METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction

This chapter discusses the methodology used for this research study, the data obtained, its analysis and discussion, and then the summary of the chapter.

3.2 Methodology

3.2.1 Research Paradigm

Research paradigm, also referred to as research worldview or perspective, is a composition of values, assumptions, and beliefs that researchers have in common in regard to the nature and conduct of research (Kuhn, 1997). Research paradigm, in other words, is a set of inherent reflections of researchers’ beliefs about the world in which we live (Lather, 1986). This research is a study that explored wide content that emanates from the interaction of a range of contexts spanning from historical and social to political (Tillman, Clemence, and Jennifer, 2016), employed pragmatic research design in its dispensation. This philosophical paradigm is also known as critical postmodernism as it involves transcending taken-for-granted values, beliefs, and structures by way of strengthening self-conscious criticism and establishing emancipatory awareness among people (Kincheloe & McLarren, 1994).

3.2.2 Research Design

According to Yin (2003), a research design is a set of logical plans or arrangements that direct the course of action of a research study. This study, being of a pragmatic worldview, employed both qualitative and quantitative research designs. Thus, it used a mixed methods design. This is due to the fact that studies anchored on critical postmodernism are mostly amenable to this design as the design helps to have a wide scope of exploration of data in order to come up with conclusions that are critical and emancipatory in nature. Moreover, the diverse nature of the objectives of the proposed study also elicits the study to use a mixed research design. Objective one and four, for example, requires the use of qualitative research approaches, while objective two and three can be achieved by the use of quantitative research approaches.

3.2.3 Theoretical Underpinning

This study was anchored on the Systems Theory by Ayonga (2016) and the Protection Motivation Theory, a type of Communication Theories. The study, being multidimensional, makes it requires using the two theories for the achievement of its objectives. The Systems Theory by Ayonga (2016) concerns itself with pertains to the interaction of various social systems with their surrounding in order to bring forth a certain circumstance. Humans are social beings and therefore need to interact so as to survive. These interactions chiefly rely on requisite resources possessed by humans. In the case of fire outbreaks in Saudi Arabia, it can be clearly seen that there have been fires in pilgrim tends, which was caused by cooking equipment; fire also occurred in the Houthi attack when an oil reserve was bombed, and a fire outbreak also occurred in schools. These occurrences basically emanate from man’s interaction with various systems in order to obtain survival. Since fire disasters find everyone unaware, the need to fire safety awareness strategies is highly demanded. Protection Motivation Theory, on the other hand, is a kind of communication theory that relates to systems theory by emphasizing adapting to changes. Motivation theory, thus, concerns itself with decisions and coping strategies that individuals use on the occurrence of destructive or stressful events. The theory also emphasizes how individuals engage protective gears to cushion themselves as well as their possession from any harm. For the case of this study, the occurrence makes Saudi Arabians vulnerable, and thus there is a need to be aware of the strategies that can help to protect property and people from possible harm. This theory is ideal when handling matters concerning coping with disasters that greatly affect the lives of everyone. Thus, there is a need to implement appropriate protective strategies to avoid complicating the effect of the disaster. These theories aided the researcher in the course of the analysis due to the fact that these address the need to be fully aware of what is happening in the environment, especially when a disaster strikes, in order to mitigate its impact on the lives of people. These theories help support the study because it gives the researchers a better frame of the outcome of the study being conducted.

3.2.4 Study Area and Target population

This study was based in Saudi Arabia. The target population range from residents of Saudi Arabia’s pilgrim tents, residents in urban, peri-urban, and rural settings that have recently experienced fire outbreaks, as well as officers in charge of fire safety in Saudi Arabia.

3.2.5 Sampling and Sampling Techniques

This study used various sampling strategies to find a representative population for research. This is due to the fact that the study required information from various categories of participants. In the case of residents in the aforementioned areas,

3.2.6 Data Collection Instruments

This study used questionnaires and interview schedules to collect information on fire outbreaks in Saudi Arabia.

3.2.7 Validity and Reliability of Research Instruments

According to Ghauri & Gronhaug (2005), validity in research is the attribute of the research instruments to properly cover what the study intends to investigate. Validity was ensured by piloting the data collection tools and seeking expert advice from the supervisor. Reliability, on the other hand, is concerned with repeatability: the ability of research instruments to yield consistent results (Huck, 2007). In this study, reliability was achieved through the use of the triangulation technique and Cronbach alpha coefficient. This is where various research instruments were properly developed so as to collect similar information from the various categories of respondents and to examine consistency in the data provided.

3.2.8 Data Collection Instruments

The data collection instruments in this study were a questionnaire, interview schedule, and document analysis. The questionnaire comprised mixed close-ended and open-ended questions that prompted the respondents (in this case, residents of rural, peri-urban, and urban settings) to share their views on their level of knowledge of the aspect of fire safety awareness. A questionnaire, in this case, was found ideal because it can easily cover a wider audience as compared to an interview schedule (Mugenda & Mugenda, 2009). Interview schedule. In addition, document analysis was used to fetch some rich data in regard to the occurrence of fire accidents in relation to fire safety awareness. Document analysis is a systematic qualitative data collection tool that involves reviewing or evaluating manuscripts and printed and electronic documents (Bowen, 2009). This is due to the fact that several fire incidences are recorded in specific newspapers in the archives of the affected regions as well as documentaries at the national level, and the details therein are information rich and can give a better glimpse into the entire matter of fire safety awareness on the occurrence of fires. In addition, relevant books, articles, dissertations, and journals with relevant information were analyzed.

3.2.9 Administration of the Research Instruments

The researcher, with the aid of a research assistant, collected data from the respondents by administering questionnaires and interview schedules. This is due to the fact that the study area is wide, and hence the need for an assistant to facilitate faster collection of data was found necessary. The questionnaires were administered to the residents while the officers in the fire safety and awareness departments were engaged in a face-to-face interviews so as to fetch rich information on fire safety awareness among the Saudi Arabian people.

3.2.10 Data Analysis and Presentation

The data obtained, being both qualitative and quantitative in nature, was properly analyzed using applicable analysis strategies. For the qualitative data collected from the available documents, the researcher analyzed by use of thematic analysis. This strategy also applied to the data obtained from the interviews. In thematic analysis, critical examination of the accessed data was done to enable understanding of the findings and thus the construction of empirical knowledge thereof (Corbin & Strauss, 2008). For the quantitative data, the researcher used the latest version of SPSS statistical analysis software to analyze the data.

The analyzed data was then presented in the form of themes (for the qualitative data) and in the form of charts, tables, and graphs (for the quantitative data). The data presentation process was carried out in as clear and simple a ways as possible to allow readers to read and understand the findings. The data was presented based on the research questions that are outlined in the proposal.

3.2.11 Legal and Ethical Considerations

Before conducting a research study, it is of the essence for a researcher to obtain the required permission from associated authorities. Before conducting this proposed study, therefore, the researcher sought clearance from the institution of learning and then sought a research permit from the national body in charge of research in Saudi Arabia. The researcher also sought permission from area leaders before reaching the residents. In addition, the researcher sought permission from the administrators of the fire safety departments before interviewing them, as well as interviewing the associated personnel therein.

Normally, academic research is an undertaking that is done willfully, and no monetary benefits are attached to the process (to lure participants). Willing respondents were engaged in providing data for the study. The researcher also sought respondents’ consent before administering the research instruments. The results were presented anonymously, keeping participants’ identities confidential (Hickley, 2005). The researcher ensured utmost privacy and confidentiality in the documentation of the research findings.

CHAPTER FOUR: DATA FINDINGS, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

4.1 Introduction

This chapter covers the description of the respondent characteristics, findings of the research study, conclusion, and recommendations for the study, which are discussed as follows:

4.2 Respondent Characteristics

In general terms, this study obtained data from 919 respondents. Of these, 906 were residents, while 13 were regional officers (one officer from each region) in charge of fire response. In addition to the two, regional magazines and related documents were analyzed.

4.2.1 Age Distribution

Table 4.1 and corresponding Figure 4.1 below present the age distribution of the participants involved in the study.

Table 4.1: Frequency Table for Age of Respondents

Table 4.1 shows the counts contained in terms of the Age of Respondents as well as their percentages and cumulative statistics.

Figure 4.1 above shows the distribution of the respondents with regard to their age brackets.

4.2.2. Distribution of the Respondents in Terms of Gender.

Table 4.2 and corresponding figure 4.2 below describe the respondents for the research study in terms of their gender differences.

Table 4.2 Frequency Table for Gender of Respondents

This table shows the counts obtained in terms of the Gender of Respondents as well as percentages. Males (50.92%) were slightly more than females (49.08%)

Figure 4.2 above shows the disparities in the numbers of the respondents for the study with regard to their Gender. As can be seen, by the horizontal grid lines, there is a slight disparity. Thus, the representativeness of both males and females in this study was good.

4.2.3 Region of Operation of the Respondents

Table 4.3 below, together with Figure 4.3 below, presents the description of the respondents in terms of their regions of residence (for residents) or occupation (for officers).

Table 4.3: Frequency Table for Region of Respondents

Table 4.3 above shows the distribution of the respondents in terms of their regions. The proportion of the respondents from each region was established using the criteria of population density of the regions according to the census statistics done in 2017 in Saudi Arabia. Regions that recorded the higher values of population density in the census had more respondents selected to take part in the study, while those with smaller values of population density had a smaller number of respondents. Figure 4.3 below shows the visual view of the disparities in the number of respondents in terms of their regions.

Figure 4.3 above shows the bar chart representing the distribution (in terms of percentages) of the respondents based on their region of origin or place of occupation.

4.4 Major Causes of Fires In Saudi Arabia

Table 4.5 below gives details on the major causes of the fires as perceived by the residents in Saudi Arabia.

Table 4.5: Major Causes of Fire as Perceived by Residents of Saudi Arabia

Table 4.5 shows the causes of fires and the number of respondents who perceived the causes to be the major causes of fire. According to the residents from various regions, the major causes of fire are gas cylinders (21.19%), an electrical technical fault (19.98%), and arson (13.69%).

The officers in charge of fire rescue services, on the other hand, revealed that most of the fire outbreaks they helped to extinguish were caused by electrical technical faults and arson (especially in schools). This could imply that the majority of fires caused by gas cylinders were minor and resulted in fewer casualties, and that made it to be contained by residents without necessarily contacting the fire brigadiers. Document analysis also revealed that most fires were caused by electrical technical faults and arson, as these were recorded by brigadiers who, in turn, transmitted them to the regional archives.

4.5 Major Fire Accidents In Saudi Arabia

As indicated earlier, Saudi Arabia has little to account for the occurrences of fire accidents. The attempts to retrieve a rich database of fire accidents in each administrative region of Saudi society did not bear fruit in this study. However, the following information account for some of the major fire incidents that have occurred this century, as summarized in the table below.

Table 4.6: Chronological Arrangement of Notable fire Accidents in Saudi Society

The sources from which these fire incidences were recorded further revealed other important information. First, they revealed that the Directorate of Civil Defense department (the body in charge of fire response and rescue in Saudi Arabia) did not arrive at the scene on time, and that is what led to the destruction of more property and lives by the fire. This could be because of late information or the dilapidated efficacy of the department in dealing with fire emergencies. Furthermore, the sources reveal that in some instances, the department had given a warning to the premises on installing measures to guarantee safety in cases of fire, but the measures were not taken in good time (a case of incidence no. 11 above). Moreover, from the Table 4.6 above, the capturing of the fire catastrophes as well as casualties in Saudi Arabia is not very accurate. This proves how fire accidents are identified as minor accidents in Saudi Arabia and that the effects of fire accidents do not really matter. Again, the fire incidences above are very few, and a lot of the incidences are not recorded.

4.7 Efficacy of Fire Legislation Protocol in Saudi Arabia.

In regard to this objective, this study found that the fire resistance protocol did not work effectively in cases of fire occurrence. As revealed by the questionnaire given to the residents, fire protocol has not enlightened the residents on their toll-free number, so the residents suffer so much when a fire disaster occurs. This agreed with the fact relayed by the fire brigadiers on the way they get the information on the occurrence of fire at a place. Indeed, the residents of various regions have more information on fire occurrences in their areas of residence than the fire brigadiers. For the residents who happened to have been affected by fire and conducted fire department in their region, they claimed that the fire department team arrived at the scene later and, therefore, property of bigger value was already ruined. The Fire Department, on the other hand, pointed out that there are several procedures that are due before the team is sent to the fire scene. This, therefore, agreed with what the residents raised about the late turn-up. Documents analyzed also revealed that for the accidents that have occurred and caused major catastrophes in Saudi Arabia, the great losses were aggravated by the late-coming of the fire department team. These findings alluded to the fact that the Directorate of Civil Defense in Saudi Arabia has not yet been streamlined so as to guarantee efficiency and effectiveness in attending to incidences of occurrence of fire.

4.8 Need for Fire Safety Awareness Among Families in Saudi Arabia

Table 4.7: Characteristics of items as well as reliability values (Cronbach’s- alpha values).

This implied that, generally, Saudi Arabians have a low perception of fire awareness. The reliability of the outcomes from the responses was high (Cronbach alpha coefficient average = 0.78).

On the other hand, Table 4.7 and Table 4.8 show the general analysis of means and standard deviations and cross-analysis of Fire Safety Awareness by Gender, respectively.

Table 4.8: Analysis of means and standard deviations of fire safety awareness

This table reveals the frequencies of respondents who had low perception, middle perception as well as the high perception of the concept of fire safety awareness with their means and standard deviations.

Table 4.9: Cross Analysis of means by Gender 

The table above further describes the variation in the level of perception of fire safety awareness along the line of Gender. The majority of the participants had low perception, and the difference in terms of their numbers as per their Gender is insignificant.

4.9 Conclusion

Based on the research findings, the following conclusions were made:

1. Gas cylinders, electrical technical faults, and arson form the major causes of fire accidents in Saudi Arabia.
2. Saudi society has had many major fire incidences, but there is little that has been captured in the regional and national archives, and therefore a few notable ones can be fetched from the available sources.
3. The Directorate of Civil Defense department in Saudi Arabia is playing so low in responding to fire incidences in Saudi Arabia, and therefore their efficacy in helping to control fire catastrophes is limited.
4. The majority of Saudi Arabians have a low perception of fire awareness, and therefore there is a great need for fire safety awareness among Saudi Arabians.

4.10 Recommendations

Based on the research findings detailed above, the following are the recommendations made:

1. The government of Saudi Arabia should introduce Safety education as a subject (with fire safety being incorporated) just as in Korea so that the school-going population can be enlightened on fire safety awareness.
2. The fire safety protocol (General Directorate of Civil Defense) should consider reducing the lengthy procedures involved in the process of initiating rescue response in case of fire occurrence so as to enhance the efficacy of the fire department.
3. Fire safety protocol in Saudi Arabia should make an effort to enlighten the residents with adequate information on how to prudently respond to fire accidents.
4. Fire accidents should not be miniaturized into minor hazards in Saudi Arabia but should be seen as serious potential hazards that can be very catastrophic to the citizens as well as property. This made it possible to come up with necessary measures how to ensure fire safety within the country.
5. Records on fire accidents in various regions of Saudi Arabia should be properly handled, captured, and kept in both electronic resources as well as national archives so that lessons can be learned from the occurrences and abatement measures be taken as we forge ahead.

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APPENDICES

Appendix A: Introductory Letter to Respondents

Dear Respondent,

I am conducting academic research on “Fire Safety Awareness in Saudi Arabia”.

I hereby request for your participation in this research study. The findings and recommendations established in this research study will provide key information on how to ensure fire safety awareness is done among the residents of Saudi Arabia.

Kindly respond to the questions accordingly and to the best of your knowledge. The information you will provide will be held confidential.

The research study is purely academic, and therefore no monetary reward will be attached to participation.

Thank you.

Appendix B: Consent Form

I have read and understood the introductory letter above. I accept to participate as a respondent in this study.

Signature: …………………………………………… Date: ……………………………………

Appendix C: Questionnaire for Residents in Various Areas of Saudi Arabia.

Section A: Major Causes of Residential Fires

Please take your time and respond to the questions in this section by filling in the appropriate spaces.

1. How old are you? ………….
2. In which of the following areas do you reside?

Rural ( )

Peri- urban( )

Urban ( )

Refugee camp ( )

3. Have you ever witnessed a fire outbreak in your place of residence?

Yes (  ) No (  )   If yes, what caused the outbreak of fire?………………………

4. Apart from the fire outbreak you witnessed, are there any other fire outbreaks you have heard about in Saudi Arabia? Yes ( ) No (  )
5. Which of the following do you think is the major cause of fire outbreaks in residential homes in Saudi Arabia?

Electrical Technical Fault (  )        Heat Transfer (   )

Sparks (   )                                          Gas cylinder (    )

Arson (   )                                           Cooking Appliance left on (   )

Candle (    )                                         Power surge (   )

Lit match (    )                         others (   ) Specify ………………….

Unknown (    )

Section B: Efficacy of Fire Safety Legislation Protocol in Saudi Arabia

Please take some time to share how efficient fire legislation protocol responds in the case of the occurrence of fire.

1. Has any serious fire outbreak occurred in your neighborhood? Yes( )             No (   )
2. What role did residents from within the area play in salvaging the affected property and the people (casualties)?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. Were the firefighting personnel contacted? YES ( ) NO( )

If yes,

1. How long did they take to arrive at the scene?…………………………..
2. How long did it take to extinguish the fire?
3. How were the casualties saved or the bodies of those who succumbed retrieved?………………………………………………………………………….

….………………………………………………………………………………………

1. Were the services provided by the firefighting team satisfactory?

Yes (   )                                               No (    )

1. What, in your view, do you think should be done to help make the firefighting team better?

….…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..

If no, what made it difficult or impossible to reach out to the firefighting department?………………………………………………………………………..

Section C: Major Fire Accidents

Please take some time to provide information on fire incidents you have ever witnessed or heard about in Saudi Arabia.

Section D: Fire Safety Awareness Level

Please take some time and fill in the table by using of (x) or (✓) mark in the provided spaces.

1 – Not at all                2- Disagree                 3- Yes             4 – Strongly Agree