The Federal Fire Service in Oyo says it records an average of 15 fire accidents and building collapse every month.

Augustine Adetunji, commander of the service in the state, blamed carelessness and negligence as the major causes of fire accidents and building collapse.

He said the service recently took delivery of a 10,000-litres water truck to complement what it had on ground preparatory to the onset of the dry season when fire incidents are higher.

“We shall soon conduct an awareness campaign to sensitise the general public about fire risks inherent in the dry season.

“We shall stage street walks in Ibadan and in some towns in the state to sensitise the general public on how to prevent fire accidents and remind people about possible fires during harmattan,” Mr Adetunji said.

He said the service has also deployed firemen and women to factories, industries and corporate establishments “to educate them, inspect their safety gadgets, certify gadgets and recommend what to install if gadgets on ground are inadequate.”

Other safety methods he said was the training in fire prevention. “We also train employees of establishments visited on how to handle fire accidents,” the commander said.

Mr Adetunji said the service was complementing the Oyo State Fire Service to prevent fire outbreaks by “creating awareness and sensitising the general public.”

(NAN)