The Kwara State Government has cautioned residents to remain vigilant against fire outbreaks, warning that open burning and careless handling of fire pose serious risks to lives, property, and the environment.
This is as it said it plans to make fire extinguishers mandatory in all regulated premises and residential buildings across the state
The warning was issued in a statement on Friday by, General Manager of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, Jide Aina, following recent fire incidents across different parts of the state.
Aina described the incidents as worrisome, noting that many could have been prevented if residents and business operators had complied with existing environmental safety regulations and adopted basic precautionary measures.
He said indiscriminate open burning of refuse and waste contributes significantly to environmental degradation, air pollution, health risks, and the destruction of public and private property.
“Most fire disasters are avoidable if residents and business operators adhere strictly to safety guidelines and take necessary precautionary measures,” Aina said, adding that negligence and disregard for safety rules often result in unnecessary losses.
He urged residents to embrace safer, environmentally friendly waste disposal methods, stressing that open burning remains a major cause of fire outbreaks in communities.
“Regulated premises, business operators, and homeowners are advised to procure and properly maintain functional fire extinguishers, as early response equipment can prevent minor fires from escalating into major disasters,” he said.
Aina disclosed that KWEPA is concluding plans to make fire extinguishers mandatory in all regulated premises and residential buildings across the state. He warned that enforcement would commence soon, with defaulters sanctioned in line with existing environmental and safety laws.
He called on residents to cooperate with KWEPA by following safety guidelines, promptly reporting fire hazards, and avoiding practices that endanger lives, property, and the environment.
The PUNCH had earlier reported that Kwara State recorded several fire incidents in recent days, including one that reportedly claimed the life of a 73-year-old man, Pastor Awolola, at Irewolede in Ilorin. The incident occurred after he allegedly set fire to undergrowth on his farmland.
In a separate development, a fire outbreak destroyed property worth millions of naira at Owode Market in Offa on Wednesday. Another fire was reported at the Olohunkushe axis of the town.
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