FCT Fire Service Reports 271 Incidents, Launches Fire Safety Campaign Ahead of Harmattan Season
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The Federal Capital Territory Fire Service reported a total of 271 incidents and the successful rescue of 11 lives from January to August 2024. Acting Director Mr. Adebayo Amiola shared these statistics during a briefing in Abuja on Thursday. He noted that the agency managed to save N8.23 billion from fire incidents, although properties worth N1.96 billion were lost during the same period. Amiola urged residents to exercise caution and implement fire-preventive measures, particularly in markets, to help reduce the occurrence of fire outbreaks in the territory.
He announced that sleeping in markets has been prohibited across all markets in the FCT, noting that the fire service has received ministerial support to shut down non-compliant markets and plazas.
“All market managers have been directed to ensure that traders do not sleep in the markets and are expected to leave immediately after trading hours,” he stated.
Additionally, he mentioned that market managers must ensure that access roads remain clear, preventing any obstruction from goods or makeshift shops.
The acting director also urged motorists to yield the right of way to fire trucks responding to emergencies in the territory. He reaffirmed the service’s dedication to providing an effective response to fire outbreaks and emergencies. Additionally, he expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for his support in ensuring the safety of lives and property within the territory.
Regarding dry season fire prevention, Amiola announced that the FCT Fire Service has initiated a campaign to educate schoolchildren about fire safety management, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their peers. He also revealed that the fire service will hold a Fire Safety Week from October 7 to 11.
“From Monday to Friday next week, we will be active throughout the town, conducting fire prevention and protection activities across all areas of the FCT,” he stated. He added that the campaign will also reach various Area Councils as part of the service’s annual dry season awareness initiative.
“We will educate residents on the measures they can take to prevent fire outbreaks in homes and business premises,” he stated.
On September 29, the FCT Administration announced plans to inaugurate a Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway aimed at reducing fire incidents in anticipation of the harmattan season.
The FCT has experienced a troubling rise in fire incidents, especially in open markets during the dry season, leading to significant property damage and loss of livelihoods. In August, for instance, approximately forty shops in Kaura Modern Market, Abuja, were destroyed by fire.
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