Mrs Nkechi Eneh, the Executive Secretary, Enugu State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), said on Friday that the agency recorded 309 fire disasters in the state during the year.
Eneh made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu.
She said that the agency was fully prepared to respond to emergencies during the dry season and Yuletide.
She said that available data revealed a rise in the incident in the past three years, from 279 in 2017 to 302 in 2018.
“Local emergency data in the state indicate that fire outbreak has the highest occurrence and the bulk happened during the dry seasons,” she said.
Eneh appealed to Nigerians to desist from storing highly inflammable substances, like Premium Motor Spirit (petrol), in their homes.
She also advised households and business centres to keep fire extinguisher handy to be able to respond to emergencies.
She said that the advice became necessary because fire had become a major emergency issue in the state, especially during harmattan.
Eneh said that SEMA and the State Fire Service carried out sensitisation of residents in strategic and vulnerable parts of the state.
She said that the sensitisation was in line with global best practice to mitigate fire disasters.
She said that the state government purchased five additional fire equipment, bringing the number to 16.
“Preparedness is key in disaster management and citizens are encouraged to complement government’s efforts by drawing their mitigation measures to deal with the problem,” she said.
Eneh said that electrical equipment posed serious fire safety threats, adding that all electrical appliances ought to be switched off when not in use.
“Candles and incense produce open flames that pose a threat. Avoid using naked candles at home without jars or holders. Do not burn waste indiscriminately,” she said.
She said that the agency was focused in its responsibility of coordinating emergency management efforts in the state.
“Become a partner. Help us to ensure an emergency-free Yuletide,” Eneh said.
