The federal government has concluded plans to establish fire stations in all 109 senatorial districts across the country as part of efforts to mitigate fire disasters.
Olumode Samuel-Adeyemi, the controller-general (CG) of the Federal Fire Service (FFS), made this known during an on-the-spot assessment of the Singer market in Kano State following the fire incident on February 14.
Mr Samuel-Adeyemi said that, in particular, a fire post would be established at the Singer market in Kano to reduce and curb recurring fire outbreaks.
The controller-general who conveyed the message of Interior Minister Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo sympathised with the government and people of Kano State, particularly residents and traders of Singer market, over the loss of lives and property worth billions of naira.
“I conducted an on-the-spot assessment of affected areas and met with market leadership to discuss preventive measures.
“Two similar incidents occurred in the market within weeks, resulting in significant economic loss. To this end, a fire station will be established within the market to reduce response time to incidents,” he said.
Mr Samuel-Adeyemi appealed to Nigerians to always give way to fire trucks, noting that although firefighters responded to the Singer Market incident within 20 minutes, access to the scene was delayed by obstructions.
He identified faulty electrical wiring, unsafe fuel storage, cooking inside shops, use of generators, lithium battery installations, and unattended electrical appliances as major causes of market fires.
On preventive measures, he said the service has intensified public education and inspections through its inspectorate and enforcement unit to ensure compliance with fire safety standards.
He added that the proposed amendment to the Fire Service Act would strengthen the service’s enforcement powers, including the power to seal premises that fail to install required fire safety equipment.
Mr Olumode Samuel-Adeyemi said plans to establish fire stations across senatorial districts and local government areas to widen coverage and improve rapid response have reached an advanced stage.
“We will collaborate with the Nigeria Police Force and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps to ensure crowd control during fire incidents.
“We will also construct water reservoirs in major markets nationwide to enable firefighters to access water promptly during emergencies,” he said.
He commended the Kano State Fire Service and other emergency agencies for their cooperation and assured continued federal support in equipment and training.
(NAN)