NAN-DS-38
Fire
By Olukayode Babalola
Lafia, March 29, 2017 (NAN) Alhaji Dogara Dalhatu, the Nasarawa State Chief Fire Officer, said that the state fire service, had received 33 distress calls between January and February 2017.
He made this disclosure in an interview with newsmen in Lafia on Wednesday.
Dalhatu described the rate of distress calls in the state as alarming and worrisome.
He said that only one out of the distress calls recorded by the fire service during the period, did not result in a fire incident.
The fire service chief said that the service recorded 19 distress calls in January, 14 in February, making a total of 33 distress calls in two months.
“The rate of fire outbreaks from January till date is alarming,” he said.
Dalhatu listed high humidity, high voltage, misuse and congesting electrical gadgets in one socket and hoarding of petroleum products in homes as major causes of fire outbreaks in the state.
“Also, children playing with fire crackers can cause the fire outbreaks.
“When they mixed it with combustible materials, it ignites and there will be fire outbreak.
“Some others engage in frying of cashew nuts in bushy areas, which may also lead to fire outbreak,’’ he said.
Dalhatu implored residents of the state to always contact fire service officials the moment they notice a fire outbreak.
He advised that they should not take the risk of putting out fire alone, as they might not have the knowledge of how to go about it.
“To a layman, when he sees fire, he believes fire is fire.
“We, professionals, do not think so because fire outbreaks are categorised.
“There can be a fire outbreak that you cannot use ordinary water to quench. That is why we advise that the victims should immediately call us when there is a fire outbreak,’’ he said.
Dalhatu advised residents to also ensure that they have fire extinguishers in their homes and get the prerequisite knowledge of how to use the gadgets to fight fire while expecting fire fighters.
He also said victims of fire incidents should not panic whenever they encounter a fire outbreak.
Dalhatu said they should remain calm, move to a safe location and contact fire fighters immediately, “as every minute counts’’.
He called on the State Government to provide more fire stations, especially in big towns and state capitals as: Lafia, Akwanga, Keffi and Nasarawa, so that fire rescue missions could be successful.
The chief fire officer also appreciated Gov. Umaru Al-Makura of the state for his efforts to complete the new Fire Service headquarters project in Lafia. (NAN)
OB/AJA/YEMI
Edited by Adeleye Ajayi/Yemi Idris-Aduloju