CounterFire has called on the Middle Eastern oil and gas industry to invest in enhanced fire safety training to avoid fatal blazes such as the one which struck the Doura refinery in Baghdad last week.

Speaking to Arabian Oil and Gas, Richard Lucas, a spokesperson for CounterFire, explained that while many firms invest in the equipment to tackle fires, a lack of adequate training renders the machinery less effective in the event of a blaze.

"Especially when you are using the water to keep a structure cool when the fire is in place, it needs training to get the most out of the equipment," he said.

CounterFire is a UK-based company that has been developing leading water control equipment for industrial applications for more than 40 years.

As well as providing water cannons for various private sector industrial firms, the company - working with US owner STANG - has also become a valued supplier for fire brigades around the world.

Getenergy event for GCC countries November 2009