The Federal Capital Territory fire service recorded 271 incidents, saving 11 lives in Abuja from January to August 2024.

Its acting director, Adebayo Amiola, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the agency’s activities in Abuja on Thursday.

Mr Amiola added that the service also saved N8.23 billion from the fire incidents, while properties worth N1.96 billion were lost within the period. 

He advised residents to be cautious by taking fire-preventive measures, especially in markets, to reduce the incidents of fire outbreaks in the territory.

He said sleeping in the market has been banned in all markets in the FCT, adding that the fire service has gotten ministerial backing to seal non-compliant markets and plazas.

“All the managers of markets have been directed to stop traders from sleeping in the markets. They are expected to go home immediately at the close of trading activities,” he said.

He also said that managers of various markets have been instructed to ensure that no access roads to markets were blocked, either by displaying goods on access roads or erecting make-shift shops.

The acting director also urged motorists to concede the right of way to fire trucks responding to emergencies in the territory. He reiterated the service’s commitment to ensuring optimal response to fire outbreaks and emergencies.

He commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for supporting the fire service to ensure the safety of lives and property within the territory.

On dry season fire prevention, Mr Amiola said the fire service had begun sensitisation of school children to fire safety management and was expected to pass the knowledge to their peers.

He also said the fire service would begin Fire Safety Week from October 7 to 11.

(NAN)