The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service Department on Friday announced a ban on traders sleeping in the FCT markets to reduce fire outbreaks.

Adebayo Amiola, the department’s acting director, announced at a news conference in Abuja that the ban was in line with the implementation of emergency jurisdiction of the department’s mandates.

Mr Amiola, who expressed concern over the 226 fire incidents recorded in the FCT from January to June, added that sleeping in markets, among other careless human practices, contributed to high fire outbreaks.

He said the fire service would enforce no-sleeping regulations within markets and also advocate the provision of alternative accommodations for traders where necessary.

According to him, building shanties within the market had become rampant and increased the risk of burning and uncontrollable blazes.

He also said that the department would equally demolish illegal shanties and conduct regular inspections to prevent their re-establishment.

The acting director further said the haphazard arrangement of makeshift shops further compounded the challenges.

“Disorganised layouts impede movement and accessibility, making it difficult for emergency vehicles to navigate during crises.

“These issues are not confined to markets alone but extend to our motor parks, where similar safety and organisational problems are prevalent,” he said.

Mr Amiola also said the service department was equally challenged by the inadequate number of fire hydrants in markets.

He said the availability of the essential firefighting tools was far below the requirement for effective emergency response.

Mr Amiola also said wrong electrical connections were frequent culprits in market fires. He stressed that many installations did not comply with safety standards, creating hazardous environments prone to electrical faults and sparks.

On building collapses and other emergencies, the acting director stressed the urgent need for stringent building regulations and regular safety inspections.

He said that the department would ensure that all structures within the city were built to withstand environmental stresses and comply with safety standards.

Mr Amiola said the FCT fire service would implement a comprehensive strategy, focusing on prevention and enforcement by organisations, including ministries, departments and agencies, market management, and other organisations.

He, therefore, called all stakeholders, including traders, market authorities, and government agencies, to cooperate in implementing the proactive measures designed to prevent fire outbreaks.

(NAN)