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Tag: fire service

  • Federal Fire Service saves 55 lives, N8.7bn property in Kano

    Federal Fire Service saves 55 lives, N8.7bn property in Kano

     The Federal Fire Service (FFS), says it has saved 55 lives and property worth N8.7 billion from 433 incidents in the last one year in Kano State.

    Kazeem Sholadoye, the Command’s Controller in the state, said this in a statement by the service’s Public Relations Officer, Al-Hassan Kantin, on Tuesday in Kano.

    He said that 19 persons lost their lives due to fire outbreaks, road accidents among others while property worth N263 million destroyed by the fire in 2025.

    Sholadoye said the service responded to 21 emergency calls and 107 false alarms within the period under review.

    The controller urged residents of the state to handle fire with care and switch off electrical appliances before going out to prevent unforeseen circumstances.

    (NAN)

  • Fire Service seeks ban of articulated vehicles, strict enforcement of safety rules

    Fire Service seeks ban of articulated vehicles, strict enforcement of safety rules

    The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Abdulganiyu Olola Jaji, has called for ban of articulated vehicles within certain periods on Nigeria roads.

    Jaji also said there should be strict enforcement of safety rules on the roads, particularly by the Police Force, the Federal Road Safety Corps and other security agencies.

    Jaji made the call when he visited the victims of the tanker explosion at Karu bridge along Abuja-Keffi Road on Wednesday.

    The FFS boss insisted that articulated vehicles should be ban from plying the roads at unapproved hours especially during early hours of the morning when workers are rushing to work and early evenings when workers are returning home.

    He lamented the explosion which claimed more than 10 lives even as President Bola Tinubu has ordered probe into the incident.

    Read Also: NAFDAC destroys fake drugs worth ₦100trn

    Jaji visited an Inspector of Police, Rachael Chukwuemeka and two other victims of the explosion at a private hospital in Abuja where they were receiving treatment.

    They are in stable condition, according to the Hospital management.

    The incident happened when the driver of a tanker lost control and rammed into vehicles in a traffic jam resulting into explosion that claimed over 10 lives, and many other vehicles burnt.

    The Federal Fire Service boss expressed sympathy for the victims receiving medical attention at Cedacrest Hospital, Apo, describing the incident as saddening.

    He said: “What is important is enforcement of safety rules on our roads. All the security agencies, especially the Road Safety, the Fire Service and the Police among others should come together to ensure strict adherence to road safety rules and regulations.”

    Abdulganiyu attributed some of these accidents to recklessness among tanker drivers, saying strict enforcement is needed to tame the excesses of the articulated vehicles on the highways.

    He said: “If truck drivers have been mandated not to move at the particular period, security agencies that are concerned must be there to make sure that they don’t move, otherwise, this is kind of calamity will continue to happen.

    “Fire Service can not be everywhere. If we are in our office we might not know what will happen in the next hour and if nobody calls us on time we might not be able to help. That’s why some people will say Fire Service doesn’t respond quickly, they forget that we are not magicians. It is when we get information that we will respond.

    “It is our own responsibility to ensure that Fire does not break at all. Prevention of fire is more cheaper than mitigation of disaster.”

    Jaji assured that the Federal Fire Service remains committed to responding swiftly to any emergencies, ensuring that such devastating events do not lead to even worse consequences.

  • Tanker explosions: FRSC, Fire Service join forces to combat fatalities

    Tanker explosions: FRSC, Fire Service join forces to combat fatalities

    In a bid to mitigate the rising number of fatalities resulting from tanker explosions, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and the Federal Fire Service (FFS) have announced a partnership to enhance emergency response and prevention strategies.

    The partnership is aimed at eliminating fire-related crashes on roads, reducing the incidence and severity of tanker explosions, ultimately saving lives, and promoting safer and more secure roads.

    The partnership was formalized on Wednesday, January 29, by the Corps Marshal of the FRSC, Shehu Mohammed, and the Controller-General, FFS, Engr. Jaji Olola Abdulganiyu, at the FRSC Headquarters Abuja.

    Speaking at the event, the Corps Marshal of FRSC said the two agencies will collaborate in the areas of joint training, enforcement patrol, and data sharing that will enhance response times and effectiveness.

    While noting that by combining expertise and resources, the agencies can significantly reduce the risk of escalation of fire-related crashes and make the roads safer for all users, the Corps Marshal said that the partnership was a testament to the Corps’ commitment to safety and determination to explore innovative solutions to the challenges facing the nation’s transportation sector.

    He said: “The joint training program will focus on equipping personnel from both agencies with the skills and knowledge needed to respond effectively to fire-related crashes. The program will cover topics such as fire prevention, firefighting, and emergency response.

    Read Also: FRSC unveils multisectoral strategy to prevent tanker explosions, fatalities

    “In addition to the joint training program, the partnership will also involve improved data sharing and effective patrol operations between the two agencies to enforce compliance on having fire extinguishers in vehicles. This will enable them to share critical information on fire-related crashes, including incident locations, response times, and outcomes.”

    Earlier in his remarks, the Controller-General of FFS, said the collaborative efforts by agencies mark a significant milestone in the quest to reduce the incidence of fire-related crashes on Nigerian roads.

    He noted that the FFS was committed to protecting lives and properties, adding that the partnership would enable the two services to respond more effectively to fire-related emergencies on the roads.

    He said the partnership serves as a model for future collaborations between agencies and underscores the importance of interagency cooperation in achieving shared goals.

  • JUST IN: Many feared dead, injured in Niger tanker explosion

    JUST IN: Many feared dead, injured in Niger tanker explosion

    Many people have been feared dead and others injured when a petrol tanker exploded around Dikko junction in Gurara local government area of Niger State.

    It was learnt that the petrol tanker spilled its contents, causing people to rush to scoop the fuel at the scene.

    Eyewitnesses claimed a pregnant woman and another woman with a one-week-old baby were among those caught in the explosion when the locals scooped fuel. 

    They put the death casualty figure at over 30 though The Nation cannot independently verify this.

    Officials of the Niger State Fire Service, it was learnt, are battling to put out the fire.

    Read Also: Niger Delta youths pledge support for Tinubu’s reforms

    Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago expressed shock over the tanker explosion, describing it as worrisome, heartbreaking and unfortunate.

    He sympathised with the families of the victims while cautioning residents to always be responsible and give priority to their safety.

    The Governor directed all the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to do what is necessary in addressing the emergency. 

  • FCT Fire Service commences mass deployment of fire routers across public, private buildings

    FCT Fire Service commences mass deployment of fire routers across public, private buildings

    The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service has commenced a large-scale deployment of fire routers to all public and private buildings, including marketplaces, within the FCT. 

    This initiative aims to safeguard lives, properties, and businesses against fire emergencies, particularly as the peak of the dry season approaches, a time when fire incidents are more common.

    In a statement by the Acting Director of the FCT Fire Service, Zacchaeus Adebayo, the initiative was described as integral to the FCT Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway project, aimed at modernising fire response systems in the territory.

    The statement reads: “The Fire Router Deployment Initiative is an integral part of the FCT Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway project, which aims to modernize fire response systems in the territory. The fire routers will enhance real-time detection of fire incidents and facilitate swift communication with our emergency response units, drastically reducing response times and minimizing potential damages.

    “Key features of the fire routers include real-time fire alerts: Immediate detection and notification of smoke or fire outbreaks. Direct connectivity to the FCT Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway: Ensures instant communication with the FCT Fire Service for faster response.

    “Increased safety for marketplaces and residential areas: Provides proactive fire monitoring for high-risk areas such as crowded markets and densely populated buildings.

    Read Also: Kano Fire Service rescues 27 persons in two months

    “The FCT Fire Service is committed to ensuring the safety of all residents and visitors in the FCT. We urge public and private building owners, market leaders, and other stakeholders to support this initiative by granting our teams access for the installation of fire routers.

    “We also remind residents of the importance of adhering to fire safety guidelines, especially during this dry season. By working together, we can significantly reduce the risk of fire incidents and build a safer community for all.

    “For further inquiries or to schedule a fire router installation for your building or facility, contact the FCT Fire Service toll-free on 08000032837.

    “The deployment underscores the FCT Fire Service’s dedication to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and visitors in the Federal Capital Territory.”

  • Kaduna fire service records 25 fire outbreaks in two months

    Kaduna fire service records 25 fire outbreaks in two months

    The Kaduna State Fire Service said it recorded 25 fire outbreaks, saved property worth N1 billion across the state between May, and June.

    Mr Paul Aboi, Director of Fire service, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Kaduna.

    Aboi said that the fire outbreaks were largely in communities within Kaduna North, Zaria and Kafanchan.

    He listed the causes of the fires to include bush burning, carelessness, suspected arson and improper use of electrical appliances.

    ”We saved property worth over N1 billion and the good story is that no casualty was recorded,” he said.

    Read Also: How fire razed shops at Delta market

    The director revealed that, the service has embarked on certification and recertification of business premises on fire safety.

    “The safety and security of our community are paramount. We aim to fortify the state against fire hazards by ensuring strict adherence to safety protocols and regulations.

    He called all business entity in the state to prioritise fire safety, saying “together, we can avert disasters and create a resilient and secure environment for all.

    (NAN)

  • FEC approves N594m contracts for FCT water board, fire service

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a memo for the award of contract for supply of water and field for the  Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Water Board at the sum of N368 million including five per cent VAT.

    The FEC also approved another contract for the supply of 500 firemen suits for the FCT Fire Service at the sum of N226 million including five percent VAT.

    The FCT Minister, Mohammed Bello, disclosed this on Wednesday while addressing State House Correspondents after the weekly FEC Meeting which lasted about four hours at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    Bello said council also approved two memos for the FCT.

    The first memo, he said, was for the award of contract for the supply of water and field for the Abuja Water Board at the sum of N368 million including five percent VAT.

    ” The second memo is the contract for the supply of 500 firemen suits for the FCT Fire Services at the cost of N226 million including five per cent VAT,” he said.

    He said council also approved the sum of N491.7 million for the procurement of Memory Access Retrieval System to enhance safety.

    Also addressing newsmen, Minister of Aviation, Hadi Sirika, said the contract was to ensure safety and security of air travellers inline with President Muhammadu Buhari’s main thrust in the  Aviation sector.

    ” It will enhance our laboratory in accident investigation. It is a requirement of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) in their standard practices and applicable by local laws,” he said.

    The council also considered and approved a memo presented by the Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, for the award of contract for the digital process of inter-networking to track the duration of inmates with the aim of decongesting the nation’s prisons at the sum of N 2billion.

    Malami said: ”The essence is to have an idea of what obtains in our prisons across the nation on daily basis, so that at a click of the button, one can access what obtains in the prisons across the country.

    “For instance, we will know who is going to court today, who is being released, those that have been in prison longer than their years of sentence, and so on.

    ”This will help stakeholders in decision making on a daily basis through digital process of inter-networking”.

    Malami noted the idea was to ensure easy way to decongest the prisons across the country.

    ” At a point, it was said that 70 per cent of prison inmates across the prison formations in the country are awaiting trails, arising from these concerns.

    ”The Federal Government has been working to come up with policies, legislation and associated programmes that are targeted at de-congesting the prisons.

    ” One of the policies put in place was the legislation of the Criminal Justice Act, which has partially succeeded in addressing decongestion to an extent.

    “The idea is to digitally connect all the prison formations to the office of the Attorney General of the Federation, the police, prison service and indeed selected courts.” (NAN).

     

  • FCT Fire service saves 33 lives, N1.16bn property

    The Federal Capital Territory ( FCT ) Fire Service says it has saved 33 lives and property worth N1.16 billion from fire incidents from January to June.

    Mr Julius Opentusin, the Assistant Controller-General, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Thursday in Abuja.

    Opentusin said that 17 lives were saved in January and February, while 16 lives were also saved in April and May.

    He said that despite reports of fire incidences in March and June, no causality was recorded.

    Opentusin said that property worth N1.16 billion were saved from fire disaster from January to June, while about 263 fire calls were received from FCT residents within the period under review.

    Read Also: Fire service records 36 fire incidents, 40 distress calls in Nasarawa

    He said that 14 rescue calls were received within the periods, while fire officers were always placed on red alert to receive distress calls from members of the public.

    Opentusin said that the major areas affected by the inferno in the FCT included Kubwa, Asokoro and Gwarinpa.

    According to him, other areas affected are: Gwagwalada, Nji, Games Village, Kuje, Abaji, Garki Market, Karu, Kwali, Bwari and Wuyep.

    He urged the residents to desist from any act capable of causing fire disaster around them and should always secure their houses to forestall fire outbreak.

  • Fire service records 36 incidents in Nasarawa in Q1

    The Nasarawa State Fire Service recorded 36 fire incidents out of 40 distress calls in the first quarter of 2018. Alhaji Dogara Dalhatu, Chief Fire Officer in the state made this known to newsmen in Lafia on Thursday.

    Dalhatu said there were four rescue calls, one life lost and three others saved across the state in the period under review. According to him, properties lost were estimated to be about N54.9 million, while estimated value of property saved stood at N531.8 million.

    “I must say that the rate of fire incidents for the first quarter of 2018 is controllable compared to other periods.

    “This is so because from the available statistics for the period, the command recorded 40 distressed calls. Out of these calls, fire incidents stood at 36.

    “We recorded four for rescue calls. That is, people that fall into either a dam or open water,’’ he said.

    Dalhatu said that to further reduce the rate of fire incidents in the state, the public should also be alert and should acquire modern fire-fighting equipment such as fire extinguishers in their environment.

    He said that if some victims of fire across the state had reported in time, more lives and property would have been saved as fire fighters would reach the venue of the fire incident early enough to quench it before it does much damage.

    “Apart from that, people should have the pre-knowledge of fire prevention and fire -fighting techniques.

    Read Also: YCE urges Buhari to fire service chiefs

    “That will be through workshops and public enlightenment by the fire authorities. Also people should adhere to fire safety rules and regulations,’’ Dalhatu said.

    He appealed to the state government to provide more manpower to handle existing stations and to engage its fire fighters in modern training and re-training in order to manage modern fire-fighting equipment.

    “The fireman needs special training and constant retraining to adjust to modern trends in fire-fighting.

    “Modern equipment are coming in; thereby making it imperative for firemen to be trained on how to use them, ‘’ Dalhatu said.

    He also called for insurance cover for all fire fighters in the state against unforseen hazards in the course of fire outbreaks and other special allowances to be paid to them.

    NAN

  • Kano Fire Service receives 130 distress calls in two weeks

    Kano State Fire Service on Wednesday said it received 130 distress calls from parts of the state in the last two weeks.

    The Public Relations Officer of the service, Alhaji Saidu Mohammed, disclosed this in an interview with the News men in Kano.

    Mohammed said the calls were made as a result of road accident, fire disaster, electric sparks and gas cooker, among others.

    Read Also: Ambode reiterates commitment to repositioning fire service

    He said that out of the number of the calls, the service received 52 on fire incidents, 62 distress calls and 16 false alarms.

    The spokesman advised the general public to always exercise caution with electrical appliances and to stop storing petroleum products in their shops and homes.

    Mohammed also advised road users to be conscious when driving and to always obey traffic rules and regulations.

    NAN