The Federal Fire Service (FFS) Kaduna State Command has urged emergency stakeholders to support efforts to safeguard lives and property during the harmattan season.
Jonah Ayuba, the state Commandant, made the call during a one-day strategic meeting for Fire Prevention on Wednesday in Kaduna.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting aimed to strengthen collaboration between emergency stakeholders to prevent fire disasters associated with the harmattan season.
Ayuba emphasised that the meeting was part of the service’s proactive measures to activate early warnings and prevent fire disasters.
According to him, the harmattan season brings an alarming rate of fire disasters, resulting in loss of lives and property.
The state Commandant appealed to the Kaduna state government to support the federal fire service, particularly in providing resources to boost its capacity.
Imam Garki, North West Zonal Coordinator of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), cautioned against indiscriminate bush burning, which could destroy the ecosystem and contribute to climate change.
Ikramat Umar, Head of Disaster Risk Reduction, advised that bushes close to residential areas should be cleared, and fire extinguishers should be refilled and made handy.
Mohammed Yahaya, Commander of the Safety Awareness and Environmental Support Initiative (SAESI), commended the FFS for the timely meeting.
He emphasised that the FFS was the first responder to emergencies in the state, and support from emergency stakeholders was crucial to saving lives and property.
Yahaya assured the FFS of SAESI’s support in sensitising residents against bush burning. (NAN)
