Fire Kills 268 In 12 Months

A total of 268 persons have been killed in various fire incidents in Kano State between January and December this year, the spokesman of the state’s Fire Service, Malam Musa Kassim, has said.

Kassim told newsmen in Kano recently that more than 5,550 persons were however, rescued in the fire incidents, while properties valued at N203 million were destroyed.

He disclosed that the agency was also able to save property worth over N 1.9 million from the 993 fire outbreaks recorded during the period in the state.

Kassim said that 1,600 rescue operations, including cases of drowning, road accidents and crowd control were undertaken within the period under review.

Other statistics released by the service include 993 fire calls, 3,399 distressed calls, 1,600 special service calls and 430 false alarms, all received during the period.

The spokesman cautioned the public against storing inflammable substances, so as to avert fire outbreaks.

“The season we are in now is windy and people, particularly in rural areas, need to warm themselves with open fire but if care is not taken, the wind can blow it around and start a massive fire.

“Harmattan fires are uncontrollable and dangerously risky to fight without fire tenders and the public must make sure they prevent activities that can spark off fire easily,” Kassim cautioned.