N8.2bn property saved in eight months-FCT fire service

The Federal Capital Territory Fire Service has reported handling 271 incidents and successfully rescuing 11 individuals between January and August 2024. Mr. Adebayo Amiola, the agency’s acting director, shared these statistics during a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday.

Amiola noted that the service helped prevent losses amounting to ₦8.23 billion, while properties worth ₦1.96 billion were lost during this timeframe. He urged residents to adopt fire safety measures, particularly in market areas, to minimize the risk of fire outbreaks.

He announced a ban on overnight stays in markets across the FCT and revealed that the fire service has received ministerial support to shut down markets and plazas that do not comply. “Market managers have been instructed to ensure that traders leave the premises promptly after closing hours,” he stated.

Additionally, he emphasized that market managers must keep access roads clear of obstructions, including goods or temporary structures. Amiola urged drivers to yield to fire trucks on emergency calls to facilitate quick responses.

He reaffirmed the fire service’s commitment to effective emergency response and expressed gratitude to the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, for his ongoing support in safeguarding lives and property in the area.

To enhance fire safety awareness, Amiola indicated that the FCT Fire Service has begun educational initiatives aimed at schoolchildren, encouraging them to share this knowledge with their peers. He also announced that Fire Safety Week would take place from October 7 to 11.

“Throughout next week, our team will engage in fire prevention activities across the FCT, reaching out to various communities,” he added. “This effort is part of our annual dry season awareness campaign to inform residents about preventive measures against fires in homes and businesses.”

Furthermore, the FCT Administration announced plans to launch a Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway on September 29 to address fire risks ahead of the harmattan season. The FCT has experienced a troubling number of fire incidents, especially in open markets during the dry season, leading to significant damage and loss of livelihoods. Recently, around forty shops in Kaura Modern Market were destroyed by fire in August.