The cure is worse than the disease

In the aftermath of the recent bombings, barricades have gone up all over Riyadh, particularly around compounds where ex-pats live. I suppose that seems like a good idea, except...

There was a fire at my mom's compound on Friday. Seems some smokers carelessly disgarded some butts, and the inevitable followed.

That shouldn't have been a problem, as the fire brigade is close by. BUT, the various road barricades precluded the fire trucks from getting anywhere near the building (just like they were supposed to, I suppose.)

Half the compound burned down, though not the end where my mom lives. No fatalities, but several serious, non-life-threatening injuries. Best guesses are that if it had not been for the barricades, the damage would have been minimal, and there would have been no injuries.

I guess that means they should put up some more barricades.