wiring, inadequate safety measures, and the use of low-quality electrical appliances. Again, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, cylinder explosions have over the years caused significant fire incidents in various parts of the country. Sometimes, this is due to the use of faulty and outdated cylinders, improper storage, and lack of awareness about safe handling and usage of LPG cylinders. According to experts, use of LPG cylinders in enclosed areas without adequate ventilation is very dangerous and shaking of cylinders to determine quantity of gas can lead to explosion.
Storage of premium motor spirit PMS, or petrol inside houses and markets is another source of fire outbreak. People often do this when there are rumours of impending scarcity and they want to horde.
Another major cause of disaster in this part of the world especially in rural areas is indiscriminate bush burning. This is because bushes around residential houses, schools, hospitals and other institutions are hardly cleared and this becomes dangerous during dry season and harmattan when bush burning by hunters and herders are often rampant. At industrial level explosions and chemical spills, are another major causes of fire incidents sometimes because of the lack of proper safety measures, inadequate training of workers, and poor maintenance of equipment. During Festive periods like Christmas, New Year and Easter, fireworks also cause fire disaster because of indiscriminate use of unregulated fireworks, inadequate safety measures, and the lack of awareness about safe handling and usage of fireworks.
Fire Safety Awareness is crucial to maintaining a safe environment in homes, workplaces, and public spaces. Understanding the importance of Fire Safety, recognizing potential fire hazards, and knowing how to respond in emergencies can save lives and prevent significant property damage. There is need for people to put in place adequate safety measures including fire alarms and fire extinguishers in their homes, public spaces such as schools, hospitals, shopping malls and markets.
There is also need for people to clear bushes around their surroundings regularly to protect their property from bush burning. Governor Chukwuma Soludo should be commended for adequately equipping the state fire service to meet its obligations to the people through prompt response to fire incidents. Today Anambra State fire service is ranked number one in the entire South-East, number three in the Southern part of the country and number six in Nigeria. The State Fire Service and other relevant agencies should sustain awareness campaigns to educate people about safe handling and usage of LPG cylinders, fireworks, and other flammable materials. Timely and appropriate responses during a fire can save lives and prevent the situation from escalating while collective and coordinated efforts will minimize fire risks and ensure a safer living and working environment for everyone.
Written by PAUL EZEOKE
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