Anambra Has Recorded 125 Fire Outbreaks In 5 Months – Fire Chief

The Anambra Fire Service has announced that within the five months in 2020, the state has recorded nothing more than 125 fire outbreaks across different parts of the state.

The Director of Anambra Fire Service, Mr. Martin Agbili made this known on Tuesday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Onitsha.

Agbili said the figure showed an increase in fire cases when compared to its record of 64 in 2018 and 52 in 2019 within the period.

“From January to February, it was not easy. That was at the peak of the dry season and we had so many fire outbreaks within the time.

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“They were not just structural fire outbreaks but fire from crashes by petrol laden-articulated vehicles and high level of unconsciousness in the handling of inflammable materials.

“In terms of the value of the property saved or lost within the period, we cannot say for sure this is the estimate, but we can say we saved more than what was destroyed,” Agbili said.

The fire chief said the agency would soon commence sensitization campaigns across the state to enlighten residents on measures to take to prevent and handle fire outbreaks and inflammable materials.

He commended Gov. Willie Obiano for procuring and rehabilitating fire trucks, approving the employment of 120 personnel and for increasing staff hazard allowance from N10, 000 to N20, 000.

Agbili further commended the governor for procuring 13 operational vehicles as well as for constructing and installing fire hydrants in all the markets in the state.

He said the state government was also making an effort toward providing fire trucks in all the major markets.

“At the moment, only three markets namely: Main Market, Onitsha; Building Materials Market, Ogbunike; and Ochanja Market have fire trucks,” he added.