The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service has announced a successful eight-month period during which it managed 271 fire incidents, ultimately saving properties valued at approximately N8.23 billion and preserving 11 lives from January to August 2024.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, the agency’s acting director, Mr. Adebayo Amiola, shared insights into the organization’s activities and initiatives aimed at enhancing public safety. He reported that the total loss from fire incidents during this period amounted to N1.96 billion.
Amiola emphasized the importance of fire prevention measures, particularly in market areas, urging residents to adopt greater caution to minimize the risk of fire outbreaks. In a bid to bolster safety, the fire service has implemented a ban on overnight stays in markets across the FCT. He noted that the agency has received ministerial support to shut down non-compliant markets and plazas.
“Market managers have been instructed to ensure that traders leave the premises immediately after trading hours,” Amiola stated. He also highlighted the need for clear access routes to markets, warning against obstructing these paths with goods or temporary structures.
In addition, the acting director reminded motorists to prioritize the passage of fire trucks during emergencies, reinforcing the service’s commitment to prompt responses when fires occur.
Amiola praised the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for his ongoing support of the fire service’s efforts to safeguard lives and property in the territory. He further revealed that the fire service is actively engaging in fire safety education for schoolchildren as part of its dry season prevention efforts, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their peers.
To promote fire safety awareness, the FCT Fire Service will observe Fire Safety Week from October 7 to 11, conducting outreach activities throughout the territory. “Our team will cover various areas of the FCT, focusing on educating residents about fire prevention strategies for homes and businesses,” he added.
The FCT Administration recently announced plans to inaugurate a Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway aimed at reducing fire incidents as the harmattan season approaches. This initiative comes in response to a troubling rise in fires, particularly in open markets, which have severely impacted livelihoods. Notably, a fire in August destroyed approximately forty shops at Kaura Modern Market in Abuja.
