The Gombe State Fire Service has called on residents to be more proactive and safety conscious in order to prevent fire disasters in the state during the dry season.
The Director, Gombe State Fire Service, Mr Idris Musa, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gombe on Friday.
Musa said that the call had become imperative in view of the recent fire incidences in Gombe Old Market and some communities were fire damaged property worth millions.
He said that with the dry season, there was the possibility of fire outbreaks, stressing that materials were now gradually becoming more inflammable because of the change in weather.
He said that an average of five to six calls were being received daily, adding that the state was now at the peak of the season that encourages fire outbreaks.
“This is the season we often experience more outbreaks, so residents must take extra care to prevent fire outbreaks in their homes or markets.
“Avoid the temptation of engaging quacks to fix electrical appliances and always put your appliances off whenever you are going out.
“Farmers must not burn their farmland without monitoring them to prevent the spread of such fire into houses and other public facilities,” he said.
According to him, an analysis of the fire outbreaks so far witnessed in the state shows that 50 per cent of the outbreaks were electricity related.
He urged residents to always check their electrical installation while promptly fixing faulty wiring and avoiding overloaded circuits, damaged appliances, or loose connections, leading to overheating and potential ignition of flammable materials.
The director advised residents of the state to install circuit breakers in their homes to safeguard their property and prevent fire outbreaks.
He also advised them to keep gas cylinders in an open space, far from their kitchens, to prevent fire disasters, adding that they should avoid activities that could trigger fire incidents.
He assured residents of his personnel’s readiness to tackle outbreak while urging residents to always call firemen in due time for prompt response in cases of outbreaks.
