Sharjah warns 78 schools of fire hazards

An inspection committee administered by Sharjah Civil Defence and the municipality has warned 78 private and government schools in the emirate they face hefty fines and possible closure if they fail to rectify fire-safety breaches uncovered by inspectors, The National has reported. Violations included non-insulated electrical wires and unsafe paper storage facilities. Overcrowded classrooms and school transport vehicles, unmarked emergency exits and an absence of fire extinguishers were also among the hazards discovered by the spot inspections.