The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has advised Nigerians to desist from bush burning during the harmattan season to prevent fire outbreaks, loss of lives, and property damage.
Speaking at a disaster preparedness workshop in Edo State, NEMA’s Head of Operations, Ojuedene Kenoma, highlighted the importance of readiness at the grassroots level. He emphasized the need for awareness and training to effectively respond to emergencies, especially during harmattan when fire incidents are common.
“Disasters like fire outbreaks occur unexpectedly. A culture of preparedness and awareness is key to reducing risks,” Kenoma said. The workshop trained local officials and volunteers on disaster prevention and control, ensuring that knowledge gained is shared within their communities.
Additionally, Superintendent Asimu Sumaila of the Federal Fire Service attributed 80% of fire incidents to negligence. He urged Nigerians to prioritize fire safety by handling fire responsibly, using extinguishers correctly, and adhering to safety guidelines to minimize risks.
The event underscored the need for collective efforts to prevent harmattan-related disasters and improve emergency response across the country.
