Ugo Nosiri, Owerri
The dry season characterised by high temperature, wind, low humidity and dryness of the soil and air has been said to be one of the reasons for the increase of fire outbreaks.
The Controller, Federal Fire Service, Imo State Command, Mr. Felix Elozieuwa, while comparing the incidents of fire outbreaks of 2013 to that of 2024, also blamed the fire incidents on some human activities.
Mr. Elozieuwa disclosed that the state recorded 12 incidents of fire outbreaks in January; and 13 in February 2023, as against 18 in January; and 16 incidents as at February 13th 2024.
He said that fire ignites when oxygen, fuel and any form of heat source come together.
He linked some of the fire incidents to human activities, such as careless bush burning, pouring fuel into a steaming generator set, having the refrigerator very close to the wall and window blind among others.
“People smoke cigarette and the butt wouldn’t off and fire can emanate from there. They can put fire on a refuse dump and it will get of control. Some people leave their gas cylinders in the kitchen. And there’s also the overloading of electrical sockets. If any fire is associated with electricity, please do not try to estinguish it with water, change to neutral at the change over.”
Mr. Elozieuwa maintained that the command has carried out several sensitisation programmes in schools, markets and churches to educate the public on important fire action notices.
He cautioned Imo residents not to panic, or run in a case of fire outbreak, but rather evacuate the premises, raise alarm for others to be aware.
Mr. Elozieuwa therefore urged members of the public to ensure they have a carbon dioxide extinguisher, dry chemical powder, fire blanket, sand bucket in their homes to incase of fire incident.
“People’s attitude hinders progress. You would want to sensitise them about fire, they will tell you, God forbid; that it is not their portion. One day, fire may come. We are not asking you for money, just listen to us, get the information, extend it to others. If you notice any fire outbreak, please call our numbers on on 09014366957 or 08092000224.”
A fire victim Mr. Innocent Eze whose shop was destroyed by fire disaster in January this year said that the fire which started early hours of the morning from an unknown source, razed down 18 shops at the Police Officers Wives Association (POWA) lock-up shops before the firefighters were alerted.
Mr. Eze, while calling on the state government to assist those whose sources of livelihood were gutted by fire to alleviate their pains, also appealled to POWA to allow the shop owners to do their repairs, so they can start up their businesses again.
“The fire started about 3am. Before the federal fire service came, the fire had gained momentum and was difficult to quench. None of us came out with anything.”
Another fire victim Mrs. Chidera Umana narrated that the fire incident which razed 8 self-contained rooms boys quarters, started from a yam pot a tenant left on the fire to go to relief market to buy pepper and crayfish.
“I was outside receiving call, when I saw the fire, before, I got near, there was smoke everywhere. I ran into our room with torch to look for my baby. The fire burnt the 8 rooms.”
