The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in Akwa Ibom has begun an awareness campaign to prevent fire outbreaks during the dry season.

The theme of the campaign is: “Preventing Fire Outbreak: Everyone’s Responsibility”

NEMA’s director-general, Zubaida Umar, said at the opening of the campaign in Uyo on Wednesday that the essence was to educate residents on the importance of fire safety and prevention.

Represented by Mmandu Aisueni, the head, NEMA Operation in Akwa Ibom, Ms Umar said the awareness campaign became necessary following the increased risk of fire outbreaks during the dry season.

She said that the campaign was particularly relevant in Akwa Ibom because some parts of the state had experienced devastating fire incidents in recent years.

Ms Umar said that the campaign and other emergency programmes being organised by NEMA were crucial to fire safety and prevention in the state.

She said that Akwa Ibom had experienced several devastating fire incidents between 2020 and 2024.

“In 2021, the Ibaka fishing fire disaster in Mbo Local Government Area affected no fewer than 1,767 households.

“In January 2024, another fire outbreak engulfed Akwa Obio Effiat, Esuk Ewang, and Ebughu communities, causing significant damage to homes and livelihoods,” Umar said.

The NEMA D-G said that although fire is a destructive force that could cause unimaginable harm, it can be prevented.

She said that through simple measures, fire outbreaks in homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces could be averted.

“We need this awareness campaign to ensure increased vigilance and preparedness towards preventing fire incidents,” she said.

Ms Umar urged Akwa Ibom people to be safety conscious during the season and promised that the agency would train and equip grassroots volunteers on fire prevention and tanker accident response.

In his remarks, a deputy superintendent of Fire, Federal Fire Service, Udoh Akpan, urged the public to be more careful during the dry season.

Mr Udoh urged members of the public to turn off appliances when not in use and to properly discard cigarette stubs after use.

(NAN)