Eight persons were rescued and property worth N3.8 billion was saved in 64 fire incidents in Yola state, the Federal Fire Services in Yola have said.

The Yola zonal commander of the service, Philip Odu, disclosed this on Monday.

“From January 2021 to date, the command has attended to 64 fire outbreak calls, carried out 11 rescue operations during which eight lives were saved, while three lives were lost respectively.

“Also, in the period under review, property worth N3.87 billion was saved while property worth N294.60 million was lost to fire disasters,” Mr Odu said.

The zonal commander identified a lack of public cooperation as a major challenge affecting the command’s services, especially during operations.

According to him, their officers were attacked on many occasions and their equipment was destroyed by unruly residents.

“Following the incessant attacks on our officers while on duty by unscrupulous elements, the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) have attached some Arms Squad personnel to support and protect us whenever we are going for rescue and fire outbreak operations,” Mr Odu said.

He also identified the obsolete Fire Service Act of 1963, non-compliance with the fire safety code by residents and lack of attention by state governments to the needs and welfare of fire service, as some of the challenges impeding its operations.

On the working relationship with other sister agencies, he explained that there was a cordial and impressive working relation.

The fire chief warned the general public to desist from false distress calls, stressing that the command would henceforth not take it lightly with any person found wanting in this regard.

(NAN)