Yuletide: Fire Service Boss Warns Against Bush Burning, Fireworks

…Suspends Leave For Firefighters

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has assured Nigerians of its full preparedness to respond to fire outbreaks and related emergencies during the Harmattan season and the forthcoming Yuletide festivities.

The Controller-General of the Federal Fire Service, Engr. Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, gave the assurance during a question-and-answer session with journalists after a virtual meeting with zonal controllers

Responding to concerns over heightened fire risks during the festive period, Adeyemi stated that the Service had activated proactive measures to ensure operational readiness.

According to him, the virtual meeting, the first of its kind, was convened to assess zonal preparedness levels and reinforce fire prevention strategies ahead of the high-risk season.

“We are fully prepared for this Harmattan period. That is why today we are holding a virtual meeting with all our Zonal Controllers, specifically focused on preventing fire incidents during this season,” the Controller-General said.

He explained that the decision to hold the meeting virtually was aimed at reducing the cost of governance while also safeguarding the lives of officers by minimizing road travel, noting that the objective was to ensure personnel are adequately prepared for the festive period.

On manpower deployment, Adeyemi disclosed that the Service had placed all operational personnel on full alert, stressing that there would be no leave or break for fire officers throughout the period.

“All our operational men are fully on ground. There is a standing rule, no leave, no break. Everyone must be on duty during this period to meet the expected increase in fire incidents,” he said.

Addressing the recurring challenge of bush burning during the Harmattan season, the Controller-General identified public awareness as the Service’s primary preventive strategy.

He warned that bush burning poses severe risks, as fires can easily spread over long distances due to dry vegetation and strong winds.

“The major measure is awareness. People need to understand the dangers of bush burning. A fire ignited in one place can spread two or three miles away,” he cautioned.

Adeyemi further revealed that the Service had launched a Harmattan Fire Safety Campaign, describing it as a new initiative designed to curb fire outbreaks during the dry season.

He explained that the campaign targets bush burning, fireworks, and other activities capable of igniting fires.

“This is a new initiative because we observed that fire occurrences increase significantly during the Harmattan. The campaign is aimed at reducing economic losses and, more importantly, saving lives during the festive period,” he said.

He emphasised the Service’s firm stance against fireworks, noting that the dry weather conditions make even the smallest spark potentially disastrous.

“Everything is dried up now, clothes, grasses, materials. A little spark can cause a major fire. That is why we say no to fireworks, no to bush burning, and no to anything that can cause fire,” Adeyemi stressed.

Highlighting common causes of domestic fires, the Controller-General identified carelessness, overloading of electrical sockets, use of substandard electrical appliances, and unattended cooking as major contributors to fire outbreaks during the festive season.

“People overload sockets with refrigerators, televisions, home theatres, and other appliances, many of which are not original. This often leads to fire. Leaving electrical appliances or cooking unattended is also very dangerous, especially during this festive period when there is increased cooking activity,” he warned.

He urged Nigerians not to be carried away by festivities but to remain fire-conscious at all times, adding that early intervention can prevent minor incidents from escalating into major disasters.

“Every fire starts very small. Nigerians should have fire extinguishers at home and, importantly, know how to use them. That way, they can control a fire before the arrival of fire officers,” he advised.

Adeyemi also disclosed that the Service recently concluded its annual Fire Safety Week, during which officers were deployed to markets and public spaces nationwide to educate traders and residents on fire prevention practices.

He noted that public enlightenment efforts would continue throughout the season.