Anambra govt expresses worry over frequent fire outbreaks

Anambra State Government has expressed worry over the frequent outbreak of fire in the state, saying that most were preventable.

A press statement by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Rt Hon. Barr. Beverly Ikpeazu-Nkemdiche, urged citizens of the state to prioritize fire safety in their homes and offices.

The commissioner was reacting to two fire incidents recorded on Friday, February 16, 2024 at a residential building at Rockland Estate, Awka, and at a telecommunication mast in Agu Awka.

She said: “Already, the state has recorded 24 fire incidents between September, 2023 and February 16, 2024. In January, 2024 , there were nine fire incidents in different parts of the state while there are already eight outbreaks this month alone.

“This gives grave concerns especially given the fact that most of the incidents were preventable.”

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She said while the Anambra State Fire Service, headed by the Fire Chief, Engr Martins Agbili, should be commended for averting the fires and preventing any loss of human life and huge loss to property, there is need that Anambra people partner the state government to stop further occurrences.

“Anambra people are advised to always ensure that all electrical appliances are switched off when not in use.

“That repairs and engineering works on electrical connections are carried out by trained professionals, avoid indiscriminate bush burning, install fire extinguishers or hydrants where necessary and invite the State Fire Service to conduct thorough fire audits in residential and public buildings under construction,” she added.

She said some of these measures are necessary to prevent fire outbreaks, adding that the state government promises on its part to increase the response time of the state fire service to any fire emergency anywhere in the state through the acquisition of more fire trucks, training of personnel and setting up of fire stations in all the 21 local government areas and closer to all the major markets in the state.