NewsNigeriaPoliticsAnambra Government Worried By Increasing Rate Of Preventable Fire Outbreaks

Anambra State Government says it is worried by the incessant and preventable fire outbreaks being recorded in different parts of the state and, therefore, urges the citizens of the state to prioritize fire safety measures in residential and public buildings, markets, and other business premises.

In a press statement released in Awka on Sunday morning by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Hon. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, this follows the two fire incidents recorded on Friday, February 16, 2024 at a residential building at Rockland Estate, Awka and at a telecommunication mast in Agu Awka.

According to the statement, the state has recorded 24 fire outbreaks between September, 2023 and February 16, 2024 with the highest incidents occurring last month with nine fire incidents recorded and eight outbreaks already recorded this month alone.

While commending the Anambra State Fire Service headed by the Fire Chief, Engr Martins Agbili for averting the fires and preventing any loss of human life and huge loss to property, the state government underscored the need for Ndị Anambra to partner the state government to prevent  fires from happening at all.

The statement advised them to always ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off when not in use; that repairs and engineering works on electrical connections are carried out by trained professionals; that they avoid indiscriminate bush burning; install fire extinguishers or hydrants in their houses, cars and other places where necessary and invite the State Fire Service to conduct thorough fire audits in residential and public buildings under construction.

It promised that the state government will, on its part, increase the response time of the state fire service to any fire emergency anywhere in the state through the acquisition of more fire trucks, training of personnel and setting up of fire stations in all the twenty-one local government areas and all the major markets in the state.