As the year draws to a close with the attendant dry season, the Ekiti State Government has cautioned residents against acts that may lead to outbreak of fire.
The State Commissioner for Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti, stressed the need for caution especially in the dry season.
Olatunbosun noted that fire outbreaks constitute one of the most rampant calamities during this period of the year as a result of the harmattan which is associated with extremely dry and dusty wind that makes it easy for fire to spread at the slightest ignition.
He noted that a lot of the disasters could have been averted if actions inimical to fire incidents are avoided, adding that activities like indiscriminate bush-burning, careless handling of lighted cigarettes and allied substances, mishandling of explosives, fire-crackers and knockout bangers as well as random storage of inflammable substances such as petroleum products are sure catalysts for fire disasters.
Stressing that the welfare of the people remained top priority of the State Government, Olatunbosun noted that the commitment of Government to the of residents lead to the impressive Nigeria Security Trackers’ (NST) tag as the safest State in Nigeria (2022).
He highlighted Governor Biodun Oyebanji administration’s intervention within one year in office to include repairs of operational pick-up vehicles and firefighting engines at Omuo and Ikole Ekiti, refurbishment of six firefighting vehicles across the State and approval for the renovation of the Ekiti State Fire Service Headquarters in Ado Ekiti.
The Commissioner however described the safety of lives and property as a collective responsibility, adding that residents must be ready to promptly report any untoward action to relevant security agencies for the safety of all.