The Bauchi State Fire Service Directorate said it rescued 15 people and saved property worth N991 million from fire outbreaks in September.

The spokesman for the service, Mohammed Bature, said in an interview with journalists on Thursday in Bauchi that three persons died, and properties worth N459 million were destroyed in the fire incidents within the period under review.

Mr Bature said the service recorded 33 distress calls and four false alarms.

He listed some of the destroyed properties as residential homes, filling stations, market stalls, a hotel, and a car.

The spokesman attributed the fire outbreaks to reckless use of cooking gas, inferior electrical appliances, poor wiring, and high voltage.

Mr Bature advised residents to keep gas and chemicals safely stored and to switch off electrical appliances when not in use to guard against fire outbreaks.

“Avoid use of expired gas cylinders, ensure it is not leaking and desist from indiscriminate bush burning.

“Distance children from matches or lighters, avoid smoking in bed, and ensure that you douse the filter in water before disposal so that it will not reignite.

“Fire outbreaks are rampant during harmattan. It is good to abide by the fire preventive measures,” he said.

 (NAN)