The Ebonyi State Fire Service has trained about 152 members of the Liquefied Petroleum Gas Retailers Association branch of the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers in fire risk control and precaution measures.

The programme was held on Tuesday during fire safety and ignition control training for LPGAR – NUPENG association at the service parade ground, Abakaliki.

The Chief Fire Officer, Ralph Ibiam, said that the training became necessary because of the need for more safety consciousness on happenings and reoccurrence of fire incidents in the state.

“The training is aimed at exposing the dealers on how to ensure safety in case of any emergency at their business places. It is an annual event and statutory obligation for the service to conduct such awareness for the group,” Mr Ibiam said.

He further disclosed that the programme would be extended to petroleum dealers as well as outlets to address the trend of fire disaster in the state.

Mr Ibiam called on the association to create community awareness and educate residents on the cause.

The Deputy Fire Officer and Resource Person, Chukwuma Nweke, urged the association to adopt precautionary measures like ensuring proper gas storage, practise exit drill at home, purchase fire extinguisher among other safety tips.

In his remarks, Chairman LPGAR – NUPENG, Jude Ani, applauded the personnel for disseminating information to spur safety consciousness among members of the association.

Mr Ani encouraged members to extend the training to their sales representatives and promised continuous partnership with the fire service to ensure safety.

The training featured some fire marshals who exposed the dealers to real-term safety measures.

The command also urged the public to call its fire service emergency numbers on 07069752627 and 08032554317 Abakaliki and 07036845645, 08032635818 Afikpo LGA.

Other unit numbers include 08030647592 Uburu and 07069717263 Onueke.

(NAN)