According to the Osun Fire Service, between January and December 2022, fire breakouts in the state caused the loss of N2.28 billion in property, Entrepreneurng Report.
However, from information gathered from the Agency of Nigeria got from the State Fire Service, the losses were caused by 130 fire events that occurred in the state during the year.
The data showed that January to March saw the most fire outbreaks, with November seeing the biggest property loss of N1.13 billion due to seven fire outbreaks.
The month of February saw the most fire outbreaks, with 47 incidences and more than N674 million worth of property lost.
The months of harmattan/dry season have the highest records of fire breakouts, and the data indicates that two people perished in September as a result of flames.
According to Mr. Ibrahim Adekunle, the Fire Service’s spokesperson, the large number of breakouts observed during the harmattan/dry season was primarily caused by open fires and bush burning. Nothing particularly unique led to more fires during the dry season than during the wet season, he claimed.
The only distinction, according to him, was that during the dry season, bush burning was permitted but not during the wet season.
“People should be careful with the way they handle fire during the dry season. Everything is dry during the dry season, and any mistake regarding fire can result in disaster.”
To prevent fires from starting, he recommended people constantly remember to turn off their electrical equipment and remove the cords from electrical sockets whenever there was no light or when the light was about to go out.
“Parents should keep fire matches out of children’s reach and refrain from letting them into the kitchen.”
“Flammable substances like gasoline and diesel shouldn’t be kept on hand at home, and open flames like candlelight should be avoided.”
“Bushes around structures should be cut down to prevent a bush fire from destroying your home.”
“The same should be done with farmlands; bushes around the farm should also be cleared to act as a fire break so that when hunters or anybody else sets bushes on fire, it won’t impact the farm.”
He said that gas cylinders should be placed outside the kitchen, away from the burner, and that fire extinguishers should be kept in cars, offices, and homes to put out any type of fire when it starts.
In conclusion, according to Adekunle, kitchens, and electrical appliances account for 85% of home fire outbreaks. He added that if people followed the warnings, the number of fires would be drastically reduced.
Source: PunchÂ
