By Daniel Karlmax
The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has called on residents of the state to take proactive measures to prevent fire outbreaks and protect the environment against hazards associated with the dry season.
In a statement, the Co-Director of KADCCAM, Mr. Ibrahima Yakubu explained that, the harmattan season, characterised by dry vegetation, dusty winds and increased dryness, can create conditions that allow fires to spread rapidly, particularly in residential areas, markets, farmlands, forests, bushes and other vulnerable environments.
Ibrahima Yakubu urges residents, farmers, traders, households and business owners to exercise greater caution when handling fire, cooking equipment, electrical appliances and other potential sources of ignition.
He advises residents to avoid indiscriminate bush burning, careless disposal of cigarette butts, burning of refuse in open spaces and the storage of highly flammable materials close to heat sources.
He further encourages households and institutions to inspect electrical connections, switch off unused appliances, keep fire extinguishers or basic firefighting equipment where possible, and ensure that access roads and emergency exits remain clear.
Beyond fire prevention, KADCCAM warns citizens against other environmental practices that could worsen the impact of the harmattan season, including indiscriminate waste disposal, open-air waste burning, deforestation, destruction of vegetation and activities that contribute to air pollution.
It further calls on farmers and herders to adopt environmentally responsible land management practices, avoid uncontrolled bush burning and protect trees and vegetation, which play important roles in maintaining ecological balance and reducing land degradation.
Residents are encouraged to take precautions against harmattan-related environmental and public health challenges by reducing exposure to dust, keeping water sources clean, maintaining proper hygiene and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, older persons and people with respiratory sensitivities.
KADCCAM emphasises that preventing environmental disasters is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, community associations, civil society organisations and individual residents.
The Mechanism therefore urges residents to promptly report fire incidents and other environmental emergencies to the relevant emergency response authorities rather than attempting to tackle dangerous situations without adequate training or equipment.
Editing By Godwin Duru
