The Federal Fire Service (FFS), FCT command, has appealed to residents to provide accurate information on fire incidents for prompt response to emergencies.

The FFS Public Relations Officer (PRO), Barnabas Anyam, made the appeal during training of the News Agency of Nigeria staff in Abuja.

The spokesman urged FCT residents to promptly call the FFS emergency number, 08032003557, or the 112 toll-free number during fire and other emergencies.

He said that it was imperative for a caller to provide his or her name, a detailed description of the fire location and, in addition, landmarks and bus stops.

He attributed some of the delays to fire scenes to late phone calls, inaccessible roads, traffic and blockage of roads by mobs.

“What we are trying to do is to sensitise citizens, as information is key, and so people need to learn that when they hear sirens, they should give right of way to emergency services.

“Unfortunately we misuse sirens in this country, and also there is an attitude problem by road users to give right of way, which delays turnout.

“It’s important you make an attempt to call our service immediately when you see fire, no matter how small, because big fires start small, and so you cannot underestimate fire,” he said.

Mr Anyam urged builders to contact the appropriate authorities, including the fire services, when constructing new buildings.

He said, “There is a task force that goes round to conduct a fire risk assessment, and if we warn you and you don’t comply, we will enforce.

“We are constitutionally licensed to break into a house when we are being called upon for emergency services, such as when a person is being trapped in a building.”

He further clarified that the fire services don’t only turn out to infernos but also engage in rescue operations, such as flooding, building collapse and drowning.

During a practical demonstration of fire extinguisher usage, FFS FCT command, Inspection, Investigation and Enforcement (IIE) unit head, Patrick Sariki, said that for fire to occur, there must be heat, oxygen and fuel.

“You can remove one of the elements to stop fire, and in most cases we remove the heat, but in petrol fires we remove the oxygen and heat.

“When you are cooking and oil starts to splash, cover the pan to stop the access of air, and to avoid a cooking gas explosion, ensure to access the cylinder, then turn it off to disconnect the supply of gas.

“A fire blanket, which is a fireproof blanket, is to be used to stop camp gas fires or cooker fires; however, it is not advisable for camp gas to be used in the house because it’s meant to be used outside and for a short term, as the name implies, Camp Gas,” he stated.

Mr Sariki said that when an individual is trapped in a building fire, it is advisable for the person to try crawling out of the inferno rather than walking out, because there are better chances of more oxygen beneath the smoke.

He listed the classes of fire as class A (common fire), class B (flammable liquids), class C (gas fire), and class D (occurs in industries and is triggered by metals) and class K (cooking oil).

Mr Sariki emphasised that the different classes of fire are to be extinguished with the use of different fire extinguishers.

“For class A fires, which are usually triggered by free materials such as paper, they can easily be extinguished with water.

“Class B should be extinguished with dry chemical powder and foam compound; Class C and D; dry chemical powder; and Class K with a fire blanket.

“We use foam compound in fuel tanker explosions and water to cut out heat,” Mr Sariki said.

The NAN Managing Director, Ali Ali, commended men of the Federal Fire Service for their professionalism in the discharge of their duties.

Mr Ali acknowledged that NAN remains at the forefront of public enlightenment concerning fire outbreaks in Nigeria.

“One thing we overlook is domestic fires, which we ordinarily should be able to put out, and it’s important not to panic but remain calm.

“In the event of fire outbreaks, first be calm; when you are calm, 50 per cent of the fire is gone,” he said.

According to him, the best form of defence is attack, but the best form of guarding against fire is to prevent it.

The MD advised and encouraged members of staff to have fire extinguishers in their cars and homes.

Mr Ali appreciated FFS Controller-General Samuel Olumode, FFS FCT Controller Muhammad Anas, and the trainers for the in-depth fire safety enlightenment programme.
(NAN)