The Federal Fire Service Zone J in Owerri Imo state has warned the public to desist from indulging in actions that can cause fire outbreak in the state.
Speaking to newsmen in her office, the zonal commander, ACG Achi Okidi Ijeoma in-charge of zone J comprising Abia/Imo, Achi disclosed that the root cause of most fire outbreak is an act of carelessness from people, which could arise from electrical issues of high voltage or not switching off electrical appliances.
She warned the masses to take some precautions such as avoiding the use of faulty electrical appliances, not overloading electric sockets, running electric appliances from light sockets, use of heater or the cooker to dry clothes, avoid storing of petroleum products in the house amongst others.
Achi further explained that people should ensure they use gas outside on solid ground, use proper holder for candles, keep a suitable fire extinguisher and fire blankets in the kitchen, doing a fire check before going to bed and repair or replacement of faulty electrical appliances.
In addition she disclosed that people should be able to detect fire by installing a smoke alarm in every room of their house as smoke alarm give an early warning of fire, she disclosed that 82% of fire that kills people are in homes with no working smoke alarm.
The command also advised people to always alert the fire fighters and not calling them as a last resort when much damage has already been done. It however warned that people should make an exist plan for their home and practice with everyone who lives with them and listen to fire alarms, also checking the doors with the back of the hand for heat before you open the door.
The commander also urged the public to always assist the fire fighters who are on rescue mission and not vandalizing their vehicles as well as brutalizing them.
She noted that this action could cause the blacklist of such areas by the federal fire service.
She noted that fire fighters are not always late but could delay due to traffic and other factors. She seized the opportunity to warn motorists against dragging the road with the fire service even at the blaring of their sirens, so as to enable them reach a fire outbreak scene on the time.
