Writing By Aminu Dalhatu; Editing By Godwin Duru
The Federal Fire Service in Zamfara State has launched a comprehensive sensitization campaign to educate residents on safety measures aimed at preventing fire outbreaks as the harmattan season, a period known for increased fire incidents draws near.
The campaign was organised in collaboration with the NYSC Disaster Management, a Community Development Service CDS Group in Gusau, the state capital, with the theme “Towards a Better Zamfara State Fire Week.”
Speaking at the event, the acting Comptroller of the Federal Fire Service in Zamfara State, Mr. Sagir Garba, called on residents to remain vigilant and strictly adhere to fire safety guidelines, especially during this high-risk period.
Mr. Garba stressed the importance of switching off all electrical appliances when not in use, preventing children from playing with fire, and avoiding unattended cooking.
He further advised residents to keep gas cylinders outside the kitchen, regularly inspect electrical wiring, and promptly fix any faults.
He also cautioned against the use of open fire inside homes during the cold season, burning refuse without proper extinguishing, and refueling generators while they are still running.
The Comptroller noted that, the Fire Safety Week was officially a five-day event from Monday to Friday, but the Command has extended the sensitization activities to seven days to maintain public engagement throughout the period.
“We intensify our public sensitisation efforts during this season. Even outside Harmattan, we send regular reports, but at this period, our activities double,” he said.
Mr. Garba stated that the Command aims to significantly reduce fire incidents during the period.
“Our target is to maintain the same low level of fire incidents recorded during the rainy season. Sometimes during the rains, we go for months without a single incident in Gusau metropolis,” he added.
He disclosed that calls to the emergency line increase sharply during Harmattan while the Service has recorded 67 fire outbreak cases or more in Zamfara State from January to date.
Mr Sagir Garba appealed for greater public cooperation in reducing avoidable fire incidents and reaffirmed the service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through sensitization and emergency response.
“Your safety and that of your family is our top priority,” he assured.
A representative of the NYSC Disaster Management CDS Group, Mr Gyum Hyacinth expressed appreciation to the Federal Fire Service for enlightening participants on how to prevent, manage, and control fire emergencies.
He noted that the sensitization taught them practical steps for extinguishing fire and pledged to take the knowledge back to their communities.
“We will educate others with what we have learned. It is an honour to be part of this training, and we do not take it for granted,” he said.
The sensitization program brought together representatives of various security agencies, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders and there were goodwill messages during the event.
COV/AMINU DALHATU
