Federal Fire Service in Oyo State records an average of 15 fire and other accidents monthly.
Its Commander, Mr Augustine Adetunji, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), in Ibadan on Friday that other accidents included building collapse and mishaps under its purview.
He noted that carelessness and negligence were the major causes of fire and building collapse.
He said the service recently took delivery of a 10,000-litres water truck to complement what it had on ground preparatory to the onset of the dry season when fire incidents are higher.
“We shall soon conduct an awareness campaign to sensitise the general public about fire risks inherent in the dry season.
“We shall stage street walks in Ibadan and in some towns in the state to sensitise the general public on how to prevent fire accidents and remind people about possible fires during harmattan,’’ he said.
Adetunji also told NAN that firemen and women had been visiting factories, industries and corporate establishments “to educate them, inspect their safety gadgets to find out if such gadgets are adequate or not.
“We certify adequate gadgets and recommend what to install if gadgets on ground are inadequate.
“We also train employees of establishments visited on how to handle fire accidents.’’
Adetunji said the Federal Fire Service complements services rendered by the Oyo State Fire Service and also conducts training in fire prevention.
“Preventing fire starts with creating awareness and sensitising the general public,’’ he said.
The commander cautioned Oyo State residents to handle fire with care to avoid infernos, especially during the forthcoming dry, harmattan season. (NAN)
