The Zonal Controller, Federal Fire Service Zone M, in charge of Kano and Jigawa, ACG Ahmed Garba Karaye says, preparations were in top gear for the establishment of fire stations within markets across the country.
ACG Ahmed made the indication during a visit to Singa market, to assess the level of damages, due to the recent fire outbreak.
According to him, the Controller General Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Jaji, was committed to all aspects of fire fighting, prevention and control.
The zonal controller noted that, the Investigation, Inspectorate and Enforcement (IIE), inspects and ensures fire safety compliance in public buildings.
He said the Federal Fire Service is soliciting for arms squad, to ensure the national fire service code.
“The approval of the fire act would give the service enough power to enforce”.
ACG Ahmed, attributed the rising cases of market fire outbreaks in Kano, to high temperature and substandard electric appliances.
He identified excessive heat, fuel and oxygen as major catalysts of fire triangle, saying that heat can trigger fire without the presence of fuel, kerosene or diesel.
“shops should be well ventilated as congestion also escalates heat and causes fire”
The zonal controller charged market leaders, to enlighten business owners on the importance of switching off electric appliances before closing for business, through signs and announcements.
He advised philanthropists, wealthy and individuals to contribute their quota, by providing state of the art fire fighting equipment, as part of their corporate social responsibility.
“my advise to the traders is to be always on alert and conscious of fire,in village markets microphone can be used to inform traders”.
In his remarks, the Public Relations Officer, Singa Market, Alhaji Bello Bala Na Abba commended fire service, security agencies and market security, for their efforts in quenching the fire and ensuring security of lives and property.
He highlighted that, the cause of the inferno is yet to be uncovered, adding that most of the traders have procured first aid as well as fire fighting equipment in their shops.
Bello Bala appealed to government and relevant stakeholders to assist those affected, as the disaster had destroyed goods worth millions of naira.
KHADIJAH ALIYU
