The Royal Commission for AlUla (RCU) and its strategic partner, the Saudi International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), have issued key recommendations for protecting people and preserving history at cultural heritage sites during the AlUla Symposium on Fire Risk Management at Historic and Heritage Sites.
Hosted recently in AlUla, the symposium brought together 80 national and international experts in fire management and heritage conservation, and provided a platform for critical discussions on fire prevention, mitigation, and response strategies specifically designed for historic and cultural sites, which will inform future development of policies and procedures across AlUla’s landmark cultural sites.
Experts shared best practice, case studies, and innovative technologies, emphasizing a holistic approach that prioritizes the safety of occupants, visitors, surrounding communities, and the landmarks themselves, reported the Saudi Press Agency on Monday.
The symposium focused on balancing historic structures heritage preservation with fire safety. Discussions covered the implementation of fire codes like the Saudi Historical Building Code while respecting the unique character of old buildings and maintaining their structural integrity during fires, to protect occupants.
Case studies presented at the event, such as the 2019 Notre Dame fire, highlighted the need for comprehensive fire safety planning and innovative collaboration.
Experts presented practical strategies including fire risk assessments, community training, and tailored roadmaps for specific locations, demonstrating how proactive risk management can protect both lives and heritage.
Chairman of Saudi ICOMOS Princess Nouf bint Mohammed bin Fahad emphasized the urgent need for preventative measures.
“Fires pose an existential threat to priceless historical and heritage sites, endangering their authenticity, integrity and the values they represent. The negative effects of fires on historical and heritage sites remind us of the urgent need to work to prevent such disasters,” she added.
The recommendations from the symposium will guide RCU’s ongoing efforts to improve fire safety at AlUla’s heritage sites, contributing to the broader goals of Vision 2030 and establishing AlUla as a global leader in heritage conservation.
