FG Begins Enforcement Of Fire Safety Code Nationwide

The Controller-General, Federal Fire Service, Mr Olusegun Okebiorun, has directed zonal and state commands to begin enforcement of the National Fire Safety Code without delay.

According to a statement in Abuja, yesterday, the directive was geared towards the reduction of increased fire incidents witnessed in recent times.

“The safety code should be enforced on all public buildings as contained in the Federal Government Circular Ref. No. SGF.6/S.18/VII/907, 2012.

“By this circular, the federal and state fire services are expected to commence the enforcement of the fire safety code at the commencement and completion of infrastructure,” it said.

The statement expressed the Service determination to reduce fire incidences in 2013.

It said Okebiorun directed all stakeholders, especially state directors of fire services to step up fire awareness campaigns in their domains.

The statement said the awareness would check the spate of fires associated with the dry season.

It directed the services to educate the public on the need to desist from activities capable of igniting fires at home, offices and business places.

“People at home and offices should stop over loading of sockets, turn off all electrical gadgets at the close of work and stop bush burning for hunting. “Because when such fires are set, they are hardly guided and can easily spread to adjoining property,” he said.

It further stressed the need for the location of fuel stations and tanks away from residential areas, adding that such business premises should be operated with proper fire mitigating gadgets.

Okebiorun, who blamed some fires on hoarding of fuel at non-designated areas, said such activities should be discouraged.

President Goodluck Jonathan (right), receiving a letter from the Sudanese Special Envoy, Dr Nefie Ali Nefie, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, last Friday.