The Osun State Fire Service says property worth N15,308,651,017 were lost to fire outbreaks in the state between January and December 2024.

The losses were recorded in the state fire service’s annual “fire incident record.”

According to the data, the service received distress calls about 103 fire outbreaks, with 16 non-fire-related calls also attended to.

The data also reflected that most outbreaks took place in February and December, where 20 fire outbreaks each were recorded.

The highest property loss was, however, recorded in December, with N12.580 billion property lost to fire outbreaks, followed by t

May, where property worth N1.249 billion were destroyed during five recorded fire incidents.

According to the data, seven persons died from the fire incidents, with one death recorded in September and six others in December.

Speaking on the data, the Osun Fire Service spokesperson, Adekunle Ibrahim, attributed most fire outbreaks to people’s “carelessness”.

He said, “The careless ways people deal with electronics and electrical appliances at home and how they also handle naked fire often serve as catalysts for fire outbreaks.”

Mr Ibrahim said the state fire service had often sensitised residents, market women, religious bodies, banks, business owners, and others to prevent and manage fire outbreaks.

“We have been sensitising the people and enlightening them to be very careful about how to handle naked fires, steps to take in cases of fire outbreaks, and the need to properly take care of electrical appliances to prevent fire outbreaks,” he said.

Mr Ibrahim said they intensified fire safety awareness and prevention methods, just as they have gone around to train hoteliers and others.

“We have also been going round banks in the state to inspect their fire safety equipment and also enlighten them on what to do in cases of fire outbreaks,” he said.

He advised residents to always unplug their electrical appliances when not in use and always turn off their electricity when leaving their homes.

Mr Ibrahim advised people to be mindful of bush burning, especially in the dry season.

He also cautioned residents to be careful about handling naked fire in the kitchen, saying most domestic fire outbreaks usually start from the kitchen. 

(NAN)