FFS Assures Nigs Of Efficient Service, Responds To Multiple Fire Outbreaks

The Federal Fire Service has entered the new year in full operational alert as it responded to multiple fire incidents across the country within the first hours of the New Year.

A statement by the Public Relations Officer of the Service, Paul Abraham says the high-tempo response directly reflects the December directive issued by the Controller General, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, instructing that no firefighter should proceed on holiday or leave throughout the festive period.

According to the statement, at 00:23hrs on January 1, firefighters were mobilised to a fire outbreak at Cake Hot Restaurant, within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.

The statement says the FCT Fire Service successfully contained the blaze, preventing what could have escalated into a major disaster in the busy recreational area.

It states that while a section of the garden was affected, no life was lost and no injuries were recorded stressing that property valued at approximately ₦1.5 billion was saved, with losses estimated at ₦500 million.

The statement says that Preliminary findings linked the incident to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing long-standing warnings against the use of fireworks.

The statement says the Abuja incident echoes earlier cautions issued by CGF Adeyemi, who urged Nigerians to avoid fireworks, candles, and all forms of open flames indoors, particularly during the harmattan season when dry conditions allow fires to spread rapidly.

It states that he further warned about the dangers posed by electrical faults and power surges, advising citizens to always switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use or when leaving their homes, and to avoid overloading sockets and extension boxes.

However, the New Year also brought a tragic reminder of the consequences of preventable fires. In Yenagoa, as firefighters responded to a residential fire involving a wooden structure.

It says although property worth about ₦10 million was saved, the incident claimed the life of an 11-year-old child, with preliminary findings indicating the fire was caused by a candle left unattended.

Describing the Yenagoa incident as deeply painful and avoidable, the Federal Fire Service stressed that many fire outbreaks result from everyday actions that can be prevented through simple caution.

Controller General Adeyemi expressed sympathy to the owner of the affected restaurant in Abuja and heartfelt condolences to the family of the child lost in Yenagoa.

Again, he urged Nigerians to treat harmattan-season fire safety warnings with utmost seriousness and reminded the public to report fire outbreaks immediately to the Federal Fire Service on 08032005737, or promptly walk in to the nearest fire service station.

PR/Nkiruka Njemanze