The federal government has directed the Federal Fire Service to embark on enlightenment campaign on the causes of fire and the preventive measures.

The Controller-General (CG) of the Federal Fire Service, Abduganiyu Jaji, made the disclosure on Wednesday in Lagos  during the pulling out parade of the assistant controller-general of Federal Fire Service, Zone D, Lagos, Chika Njoku, and 19 others.

Some of the firemen were pulled out after serving for 35 years, while others attained 60 years of age.

The CG said that part of the awareness the was enlightenment of landlords and company owners on the causes of fire outbreaks.

He said: “If there is a fire outbreak, instead of panicking, they should be able to know what to do.

” For example, in a building, they should be able to know where fire extinguisher is placed.

“They should also be able to know where fire alert system is. They should be able to use them at the appropriate time.

“Many are not aware of the danger of fire, that is why they play with objects that could trigger explosion.”

Mr Jaji advised parents to always keep away objects such as  match sticks, as well as explosive objects  from children.

He also warned people to be careful with  gas cylinders.

In his remarks, Mr Njoku urged the federal government to equip the Federal Fire Service better to enable its personnel to do better.

Mr Njoku also said that there was need to recruit  more workers into the service, noting that  old workers were retiring.

He added that  more fire stations should be built to take care of the increasing population of Nigeria.

He advised people to be patient and  committed to their legitimate duties.

“I want to urge them to do their works diligently. There is no way you pass through a place without challenges.

“If you join the fire service and you don’t have the required equipment to work, that is a challenge.

“We are only putting our best to make the work done perfectly,” he said.

The general manager of  Lagos State Fire Service, Margaret Adeseye, praised Mr Njoku for professionalism, saying that his legacies would be remembered.

”I want to appreciate your dedication to the service of humanity.

“When we worked together, I could feel the zeal in you. I learnt somethings from you,” she said.

(NAN)