Osun Fire Service says properties worth N2.28 billion were destroyed by fire between January and December 2022.

The losses were from 130 fire incidents during the period.

Most fire outbreaks occurred between January and March, with November recording the highest property loss of N1.13 billion to seven fire outbreaks.

February recorded the highest incidents of fire outbreaks, with 47 incidents and property worth more than N674 million destroyed.

Two persons died from the fires in September, with the dry season having the highest number of fire outbreaks.

The fire service spokesperson, Ibrahim Adekunle, said the high number of fires recorded during the harmattan and dry season was mostly due to open fire and bush burning.

He said nothing special caused a fire during the dry season more than the rainy season. Mr Adekunle said the only difference was the bush burning during the dry season.

“Everywhere is dry during the dry season, and any mistake concerning fire can lead to disaster, so people should be careful with the way they handle fire during the dry season,” he stated.

He advised people to take precautions against fire outbreaks and always remember to switch off their electrical appliances and remove the cords from electrical sockets when there was no light and whenever they were going out.

“Also, fire extinguishers should be kept in the car, offices and houses to fight or tackle any form of fire when it breaks; and gas cylinders should be kept outside the kitchen, away from the burner,’’ he added.

Mr Adekunle explained that 85 per cent of domestic fire outbreaks came from the kitchen and electrical appliances, adding that if people adhered to the cautionary directives, fire outbreaks would drastically reduce.

(NAN)