Fire Service Seeks Dedicated Lanes For Trucks

The Federal Fire Ser
vice says the provision of dedicated lanes for fire fighting trucks would facilitate free movement and quicker response time during emergencies.
The Deputy Controller of the service in charge of the South-East, Mr Chinedu Esinwoko,  spoke after a closed door meeting with Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra in Awka recently.
Esinwoko said lack of free access to fire sites had been a major cause of late or poor response which had resulted in loss of lives and properties.
The fire boss said he was in the state to familiarise with the governor and acquaint him with the activities of the service and its challenges.
Esinwoko said that Anambra, one of the leading commercial states in the South-East with a good number of markets, had a high record of fire outbreaks.
“I came to inform Gov. Willie Obiano of our presence and acquaint him with some of the challenges we face in the course of our duty.
“The problems are enormous; we do not have dedicated lanes for fire trucks, ordinarily, we do not have to be contending with other road users and pedestrians.
“This impedes the speed of response and that is why if a fire call is received, nobody will get there in 30 minutes when we should be at the scene in five minutes.
“We need personnel, more training and the fire hydrants everywhere, which is very important to our job.
“The fire incidents we have been experiencing during harmattan season in Anambra and other states will be a thing of the past with what has happened today.
“His response at the meeting gladdens the heart because it is an indication that we are on the path to more effective and responsive service delivery,” he said.
Esinwoko said people should seek permission from the Fire Service before citing petrol stations and gas plants, as most of them did not comply with the standard regulations.
He said it was dangerous to locate such businesses in residential areas without keeping the standard distance.
The Commissioner for Public Utilities in Anambra, Mr Obi Nwankwo, said the state was ready to collaborate with the Service for effective fire fighting by giving every support to help them succeed.