Sharjah Civil Defence launches free digital damage certificates for residents affected by fires

SHARJAH: Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has launched a proactive digital service enabling residents affected by residential fires to receive an officially approved damage assessment certificate free of charge immediately after firefighting operations are completed. The service, titled "Damage Assessment Certificate", automatically issues the certificate and sends it directly to affected residents via SMS and email, without requiring a prior application or a visit to any government entity. The certificate includes the affected resident's details, the property address and an assessment of the damage caused by the fire. Residents need only provide their Emirates ID number, with the remaining procedures completed digitally through identity data integration, without the need for additional documents. Major General Yousef Obaid bin Harmoul Al Shamsi, Director-General of the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority, said the initiative reflects the authority's responsibility to the community and its commitment to supporting families affected by fires. He said families facing such circumstances need to focus on their safety and immediate needs, adding that the authority aims to simplify related procedures and reduce the time and effort required to access essential services. He added that the authority continues to develop its services based on customer needs and use digital integration to simplify procedures and reduce requirements. Proactive services form part of its approach to responding to residents' needs at the appropriate time without placing additional administrative burdens on them. The service also takes into account the psychological and financial impact of residential fires, particularly in the first hours after an incident, when families are dealing with the consequences and arranging their essential needs. By issuing the certificate free of charge and delivering it directly through digital channels, the authority enables affected residents to obtain official documentation wherever they are, without having to visit a service centre or submit a separate application.