The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has warned Nigerians to be vigilant and take necessary precautions to prevent fire incidents, particularly during the dry season.

The NEMA territorial coordinator in Kano, Nura Abdullahi, gave the warning on Thursday while speaking at a public awareness campaign against fire outbreak prevention in Kano.

Mr Abdullahi cautioned that fire incidents posed a serious threat to lives, property, and livelihoods, particularly during dry season when the risks were on the rise.

The awareness is with the theme: “Fire Prevention and Tanker Accident Response.”

He urged residents to be careful in handling inflammable to avoid fire outbreaks, especially in various accidents involving heavy duty vehicles during dry weather conditions.

“Over the years, frequency and severity of fire outbreaks, tanker-related accidents have become increasingly worrisome.

“These incidents not only disrupt economic and social activities but also cause devastating losses that are often avoidable through proper preparedness and sensitisation.

“It is our responsibility to prioritise and strengthen response capabilities to mitigate risks.

“We will collaborate with stakeholders and volunteers, such as Grassroots Emergency Management Volunteers (GEMV), to build a resilient society that is better prepared to handle disasters,” he said.

He added that delays or inaction in emergency situations often worsened outcomes, hence urging corps members to enlighten the community at the grassroots with the Kano state model of preparedness and safety.

Also, Umar Abdullahi, safety and environmental officer of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Depot, Hotoro, described the training as timely, particularly to prevent accidents and loss of lives and properties.

NEMA carried the sensitisation to the NNPC Depot, Hotoro, to enlighten truck drivers on measures to prevent fire disasters.

The training was attended by the executive secretary, Kano State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Isyaku Kubarachi and representatives from Federal and State Fire Services.

The Nigeria Red Cross and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) are among the other stakeholders.

Papers were, however, presented by the state controller, Federal Fire Service, Kazeem Sholadoye, titled: “The role of stakeholders in the management of tanker accident and fire outbreaks” and the Nigeria Red Cross executive secretary, Musa Abdullahi, titled: “Management of burns and volunteerism”.

(NAN)