NEMA launches awareness campaign on fire prevention in A‘Ibom

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has launched an awareness campaign to prevent fire outbreaks during the harmattan season in Akwa Ibom.

The Director General of NEMA, Mrs Zubaida Umar, who flagged off the campaign in Uyo on Wednesday said it aims to educate residents on the importance of fire safety and prevention measures.

Umar, represented by Mrs Mmandu Aisueni, Head of Operation of NEMA in Akwa Ibom said that the awareness campaign becomes imperative, considering the increased risk of fire outbreaks during the harmattan season. 

The theme of the campaign was: “Preventing Fire Outbreak: Everyone’s Responsibility.” 

She said that the campaign is particularly relevant in Akwa Ibom, which has experienced several devastating fire incidents in recent years.

Umar said the agency’s efforts are crucial in preventing fire disasters and protecting lives and property in the State.

“From 2020 to 2024, Akwa Ibom State has experienced several devastating fire incidents. 

“In 2021, the Ibaka fishing fire disaster in Mbo Local Government Area affected 1, 767 households. 

“More recently, in January 2024, another fire outbreak in Mbo LGA engulfed Akwa Obio Effiat, Esuk Ewang, and Ebughu communities, causing significant damage to homes and livelihoods.

“As we know, fire is a destructive force that can cause unimaginable harm, but it is also a preventable one. 

“This campaign is designed to shine a light on the many ways we can reduce the risk of fire outbreaks in our homes, schools, workplaces, and public spaces.

“Through simple actions, increased vigilance, and preparedness, we can prevent the devastating impact of fires.

“As we transition from the rainy season to the dry season in Nigeria, the risk of fire outbreaks escalates due to factors such as low humidity, dry air, and fluctuating temperatures.

“The dry season, with its characteristic harmattan haze and heat, heightens the likelihood of fires.

“It is, therefore, critical to implement proactive measures to prevent or significantly reduce the chances of such climate-related incidents,” Umar said.

Umar advised Nigerians to be safety conscious during the season and promised that the agency would train and equip grassroots volunteers on fire prevention and tanker accident response in the state.

In his remarks, the Deputy Superintendent of Fire, Federal Fire Service, Mr Udoh Akpan, urged the public to be careful as the harmattan period is susceptible to fire outbreaks.

Udoh, who gave useful tips on combating fire outbreaks using extinguishing agents, stressed the need for the public to turn off appliances, when not in use and properly discard cigarette stubs after use.

Participants for the sensitisation campaign were drawn from state and federal fire service, FRSC, staff of the state ministry of environment and stakeholders across the 31 local government areas of the state.