The Federal Capital Territory (FC T) Fire Service recorded 271 incidents and saved 11 lives in the FCT from January to August 2024, said the service director, Adebayo Amiola.

While briefing journalists on the agency’s activities in Abuja on Thursday, Mr Amiola said the service saved N8.23 billion from the fire incidents and properties worth N1.96 billion were lost within the period.

He advised residents to be cautious by taking fire-preventive measures, especially in markets, to reduce the incidents of fire outbreaks in the territory.

Mr Amiola said sleeping in the market has been banned in the FCT, adding that the fire service has gotten ministerial backing to seal non-compliant markets and plazas.

“All the managers of markets have been directed to stop traders from sleeping in the markets. They are expected to go home immediately at the close of trading activities,” he said.

He also said managers of various markets have been instructed to ensure that no access roads to markets were blocked, either by displaying goods on access roads or erecting make-shift shops.

The acting director also urged motorists to concede the right of way to fire trucks responding to emergencies in the territory.

He reiterated the service’s commitment to ensuring optimal response to fire outbreaks and emergencies.

Mr Amiola commended the FCT Minister Nyesom Wike for supporting the fire service to ensure the safety of lives and property within the territory.

On dry season fire prevention, Mr Amiola said the FCT Fire Service had begun sensitisation of school children to fire safety management and was expected to pass the knowledge to their peers.

He also said the fire service would begin Fire Safety Week from October 7 to 11.

(NAN)