• Begins enforcement of fire extinguishers installation in markets, buildings
Abia State government has said that it recorded 20 fire outbreaks in the past four months, resulting to loss of goods and property estimated at over N500 billion.
The state’s Fire Controller/Chief Fire Officer, Mr Arua Nnanna, disclosed this yesterday during a visit to the scene of fire incident in Aba. According to him, most of the fire incidents in the state, occured in the commercial hub of Aba and Umuahia, the capital city.
Nnanna said the state has put in place proactive measures to curb the recurring fire incidents, part of which he said, includes enforcement of Governor Alex Otti’s directives that fire extinguishers be installed in all markets, buildings, vehicles and other vulnerable areas.
Others are procurement of more fire fighting vehicles and stationing them at strategic locations across the state. Giving details on the fire incidents in the state, Nnanna said the 20 outbreaks occurred between December 2023 and March 2024. He lamented that properties ranging from goods, vehicles, private and public buildings were destroyed but expressed gladness that no life was lost in the incidents.
He said: “The fire outbreaks were recorded at Asa Nnentu Auto Parts market in Ugwunagbo Local Council, a section of Ariara International market, Ahia Ohuru market at Ngwa road, Timber section of Ehere market, Chisco Transport loading Park and the National Institute for Nigerian Languages, all in Aba.
“In Umuahia, the incidents occurred at Ofeme Primary School, Amuzukwu Primary School, Long Block of Shops along Aba road, among others.” The fire controller attributed high temperature, dry season, storage of petroleum products and other inflammable materials, installation of faulty/unwholesome electrical appliances, and failure to disconnect installed appliances after the day’s activity as major causes of the incidents. He urged residents to adapt to safety proactive measures to address recurrence.
According to him, the State Fire Service will henceforth strictly enforce the installation of fire extinguishers in buildings, as instructed by the state government.
Nnanna stressed that Governor Otti has demonstrated his resolve to protect both the safety of lives and property of Abia citizens and residents. He commended the quick responses of the fire fighters and responders to distress calls, which resulted in quenching the fire.
