Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Enugu State Fire Service says it saved public and private property valued at approximately N2.46 trillion from destruction between January and September 2025.
The Chief Fire Officer of the state, Mr. Okwudiri Ohaa, disclosed this to newsmen in Enugu on Tuesday, noting that the service responded to 260 emergency calls across the 17 local government areas within the period under review.
According to him, the emergency calls were promptly attended to regardless of the time of day, adding that 20 victims were rescued alive, while 52 others were recovered but confirmed dead.
Ohaa said that building fires accounted for 137 of the total emergency calls, making it the most frequent type of incident during the period.
“The service recorded just one gas fire emergency call and two dumpster fire incidents within the nine months,” he stated.
The fire chief cautioned residents to be extra vigilant as the dry season approaches, stressing that prevention remains the best way to combat fire disasters.
“For fire, prevention is always better than allowing it to happen,” he said.
He urged communities to clear bushes and weeds around their homes and avoid leaving fires unattended. He also advised residents to switch off electrical appliances when not in use, avoid overloading sockets, and ensure that all wiring is done by qualified technicians.
Ohaa further warned against leaving inflammable materials near heat sources and advised that children should be kept away from matchboxes, lighters, and stoves of all types.
The fire officer identified the Abakpa gas fire of January 25, 2025, and the Ugwu-Onyema fuel tanker spill fire of September 25, 2025, as the most challenging incidents the service had handled during the year.
