Federal Fire Service (FFS) has launched the Harmattan Fire Safety Campaign with a strong warning against bush burning and fireworks as part of measures to prevent fire outbreaks during the Yuletide and Harmattan season.
Dr Samuel Olumode, the Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, announced the campaign at a virtual meeting with all Zonal Controllers across the country. The meeting aimed at strengthening operational readiness and reducing fire incidents during the festive period.
Dr Olumode explained that the decision to hold the meeting virtually was to cut costs and ensure the safety of officers, given the risks associated with long-distance road travel.
According to him, the meeting focused on preparing officers to be fully alert during the harmattan season, a period historically associated with increased fire outbreaks due to dry weather conditions.
He assured Nigerians that the FFS was fully prepared to respond promptly to any rise in fire incidents during the Yuletide and Harmattan season.
On manpower deployment, the Controller-General revealed that all operational personnel have been placed on full alert, with a strict directive suspending leave and break periods throughout the festive season.
“There is a standing rule of no leave and no break. All our operational personnel must remain on duty during this period to ensure a swift response to emergencies,” he stated.
Addressing the issue of bush burning, Dr Olumode said the Service has been intensifying public awareness campaigns to educate Nigerians on the dangers associated with the practice.
He warned that fires ignited in one location could easily spread several miles due to dry vegetation and strong Harmattan winds, destroying lives and property.
As part of the Harmattan Fire Safety Campaign, the Federal Fire Service is advocating a total ban on bush burning and fireworks, stressing that dried grass and vegetation can ignite rapidly, even from minor sparks.
“We say no to bush burning and no to fireworks. At this time of the year, vegetation is extremely dry, and a small spark can lead to a major fire outbreak,” he cautioned.
The Controller-General also identified carelessness as a major cause of fire incidents, particularly the overloading of electrical sockets with appliances such as refrigerators, televisions, and other household equipment.
He urged Nigerians to observe basic fire safety measures, especially during the festive season, to prevent avoidable fire disasters, reduce economic losses, and save lives.
The Federal Fire Service reaffirms its commitment to protecting lives and property and calls on the public to cooperate by adhering strictly to fire safety guidelines throughout the Yuletide season.
RN
