By Abdulrahman Abdullahi
FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has attributed the frequent fire outbreaks in FCT especially in the markets to human error and manhandling of electrical appliances.
FEMA expressed concern on frequent fire outbreaks, attributing the causes to residents who locate their gas cylinders in their kitchen, store fuel in their houses and shops and shop owners using generating sets close to people that are cooking, thereby resulting in outbreaks.
The Director General of the FEMA, Abbas Idriss cited examples of Gwarinpa market fire incident and the recent Kubgo furniture market fire incident.
Idriss, in a statement disclosed by FEMA’s Acting Head, Public Relations, Ngaha Faustina yesterday expressed sadness over the negative impacts of fire incidents in the FCT which in many instances have led to destruction of public and private properties and sometimes loss of lives.
He then cautioned the residents to be extremely careful in order to avoid fire outbreaks in this harmattan season.
According to him, FEMA in its efforts to reduce fire outbreaks in the FCT is embarking on fire safety campaigns using selected radio, television stations and newspapers to educate residents on safety measures and management, while urging them to visit any fire service station for required fire defence equipment needed and know how to use them
In his words “Most fire outbreaks are usually caused by human error and negligence, and can be prevented if we do the right things, so it can be averted through attidunal change.
“The disadvantages of bush burning far outweigh any arguments in favour of it, especially in the rural areas.”
He therefore called on traditional leaders and village heads to advise their wards against bush burning especially now that they have begun preparing their farms in readiness for the next planting season by setting fire in the farms indiscriminately which can result to uncontrollable fire.
Furthermore, the FEMA boss urged residents to always put off electrical appliance when not in use, check gas cylinders before purchase to avoid buying expired gas cylinders and ensure it’s properly locked when not in use.
He equally advised them to desist from buying substandard electrical appliances and avoid manipulating electrical installation to suit their personal gain as a check against fire outbreaks.
