Qatar’s Civil Defense team is instructing all institutions, including private and public companies, hotels, apartment buildings and restaurants, to shore up their fire prevention and safety measures – or face immediate closure, QNA reports.

The edict comes nearly two weeks after a Villaggio mall fire claimed 19 lives – and after dozens of smaller, non-lethal fires continue to spark panic around town.

To shore up its emergency safety standards, Qatar says it will conduct surprise inspections and enforce by censure.

Institutions found to be in violation of code in terms of their alarm, ventilation and fire devices, emergency exits and training of personnel could be closed for up to 30 days.

QNA reports:

The Civil Defence Directorate said in a statement today that the move comes out of the public interest and duty to protect lives and property through adherence to safety regulations and protection from fire…

The Civil Defence Directorate also urged the public to report any irregularities or abuses related to safety regulations at the sites they visit through telephone number : 44895151, and email: civildefence moi.gov.qa.

Meanwhile, though the findings of the cause behind the Villaggio fire have been presented to some victims’ families and the Heir Apparent, they have not yet been made available to the public.

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Credit: Photo by Joe Kester