The Federal Fire Service in Cross River says residents of the state lost property worth N928 million to fire between January and August.

The commanding officer in Cross River, Olumayowa Olomola, disclosed this on Friday in Calabar.

Ms Omolola stated that the value of the destruction was recorded from 23 fire incidents that occurred in the state over the past eight months.

She stated that the incidents did not occur solely in buildings, saying, “There were fire outbreaks in shops, automobiles, and tankers, among others. During the period under review, 20 houses were gutted by fire; no death was recorded, but three persons were injured in the incidents.”

The commanding officer, who pledged the service’s commitment to combating fire incidents in the state, urged good-spirited individuals and corporate bodies to support the service.

Ms. Omolola stated that the fire service was facing challenges due to a shortage of water tankers, utility vehicles, ambulances, and other essential equipment.

“We are fully committed to undertaking the tasks that go with our job; these challenges are our limitations. Our responses will be faster if we become better equipped.

“We need fire-fighting stations to be sited within Calabar; we also need them in the local government areas,” she said.

(NAN)