MAKKAH: Saudi Civil Defence teams assigned to Hajj operations conducted a comprehensive fire drill at a hotel in Makkah as part of ongoing preparations for the 2026 Hajj season, with the participation of several relevant authorities and emergency response agencies.
The exercise was aimed at enhancing field readiness and strengthening coordination among various agencies responsible for ensuring the safety and security of pilgrims during the annual pilgrimage, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Wednesday.
The drill simulated a fire emergency inside the hotel and included firefighting and rescue operations, evacuation procedures for hotel guests, response to cases involving injuries and trapped individuals, smoke extraction measures, activation of medical triage systems, and logistical support operations.
Emergency personnel also tested rapid response mechanisms, communication systems, and inter-agency coordination to assess preparedness for potential incidents during Hajj.
Medical teams were deployed to provide immediate assistance to simulated casualties, while rescue units practised safe evacuation procedures under emergency conditions.
The exercise forms part of a broader series of operational drills and preparedness plans being implemented ahead of the Hajj season to ensure the highest standards of safety and emergency response for pilgrims arriving from around the world.
