We Recorded 30 Cases Of Fire Outbreaks In Osun Within One Week-Official

By Ayobami Agboola, Osogbo

Goods worth millions of Naira were on Thursday destroyed at the popular shopping plaza, CTUS Today Home Nigeria Limited, located at Station Road , Osogbo, Osun state capital.

The fire which was said to have started at about 10:45am affected the four storey building but no casualty was recorded in incident.

When our correspondent visited the scene, many sympathizers were seeing discussing what could have been the causes of the fire outbreak and likely amount that might have been lost to the inferno.

Speaking, Mr Isaac Adejobi, Operation Commandant, Federal Fire Service, Osun state Command attributed the incident to power surge.

Adejobi who urged residents to always be conscious of fire said no fewer than 30 fire outbreaks cases have been recorded in Osun within a week.

He said there was the need for each and every resident to ensure they have good fire extinguisher in their various business outlets and houses urging them to get Smoke Alert System in order to prevent fire outbreak.

He said that fire fighters from the state arrived at the scene of the incident few minutes after a distress call was made to their station, noting that no death or casualty was recorded.

He thanked God that there was no casualty in the incident.

Also, speaking, the Public Relations Officer, Federal Fire Service, Mrs Basiri Adija urged residents of Osun to always be cautious of fire disaster, so as to prevent loss of lives and property in their various domains.

Mrs Basiri listed the negative effects of fire outbreak to include; hazards to lives and property, atmospheric pollution and water contamination amongst others, adding that, ‘’human beings are the main factors and causes of fire due to human activities’’.

According to the PRO, ” there are many factors responsible for fire outbreaks such as bush burning and using outdated wires for electrical appliances without knowing how to use fire equipment. All these causes fire outbreak and we need to curb it”, she noted.

Mrs Basiri explained that, preventive measures could be taken through attitudinal maintenance, especially at home and on transit, adding that, individuals need to have necessary fire equipment such as; fire extinguisher, fire blanket, as well as, placing cylinder outside the home to prevent fire hazards.

She further explained that the Osun state command of Federal Fire Service has been enlightening residents on safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks, saying they were doing their best through jingles, fliers and other public enlightenment programmes and that the fire service agency was always at alert to rescue fire victims.

“Our collective safety begins at home”, which implies that every home should play an active role in the safety of the environment by having at least one fire fighting safety equipment at home.