A campaign has been launched to ensure that Ramadan tents in Bahrain meet fire safety standards.

Civil Defence inspectors have already begun visiting hotels and other establishments that have applied for licences to set up such facilities.

Tents are a popular social feature among locals and expatriates during the holy month, which will begin next month.

All those erected must be made of fire-resistant materials and electric wiring should be covered and protected.

Furniture and devices should be installed in a way to avoid blocking escape routes and tent poles should be firmly erected to prevent them from collapsing on people in case of an emergency.

Cooking or the storing of inflammable material in the tent should also be avoided and lights not be mounted directly on the curtain walls of the tents.

'We are co-ordinating with the Municipalities and Agriculture Affairs Ministry to ensure a safe environment around tents,' said Civil Defence director-general Brigadier Abdulla Al Fadhel.

'The measures are taken to make sure everyone is secured from any mishap that can happen in the tents.

'Once they realise the tents had been inspected by the Civil Defence authorities and met safety specifications, they will feel safer.

'Tents pitched in cities and near homes in various neighbourhoods will be regularly checked in association with the authorities concerned to ensure they fulfil safety measures.'

Brig Al Fadhel called on those planning to set up tents to adhere to safety conditions and not leave children alone in them unattended.

The inspections will be carried out through the Civil Defence's Protection and Safety Directorate.

'After the inspection they are issued certificates stating that they are fulfilling safety and fire prevention conditions in co-operation with the Health Ministry, Tourism Sector, General Directorate of Traffic, and Municipalities and Agriculture Ministry,' said Brig Al Fadhel.-TradeArabia News Service