The Kano State Fire Service says it saved 417 lives and property worth N1.2 billion in various fire incidents recorded from January to December 2023.

Saminu Abdullahi, spokesman for the fire service, said in an interview on Tuesday in Kano that the agency received 659 fire calls during the year under review.

He added that 100 people lost their lives within the period while properties estimated at over N451 million were destroyed by fire.

“The service responded to 299 rescue calls and 95 false alarms from residents of the state as well as 184 road accidents, in addition to rescuing two trapped animals,” Mr Abdullahi added.

The spokesman attributed the fire incidents to careless handling of cooking gas, use of inferior electrical appliances, and storage of petrol in homes and unsafe places, among others.

He advised all residents to handle inflammable materials and other items carefully that may lead to fire incidents.

“Those who warm themselves in marketplaces or the street during harmattan should put off the fire with enough water to avoid unforeseen circumstances.

“Parents should be vigilant and monitor their wards, especially those swimming in ponds and playing in dangerous places to avoid drowning or related incidents,” he said.