The Federal  Capital Territory (FCT) Fire Service, says it has taken proactive measures to avert and respond to incidences of fire outbreaks in the territory during the harmattan.
Spokesman of the fire service, Malam Ibrahim Tauheed, gave the assurance in an interview with The Tide’s source on Wednesday in Abuja.
“The service is quite aware of the heightened fire risks that accompany the season, hence, the need to safeguard our communities and by extension the territory as a whole.
“We have conducted a thorough assessment of fire-prone areas within the FCT. This was facilitated by the combined fire prevention and protection units, as well as the Public Relations and Enlightenment unit.
“The knowledge gained in the process has allowed us to strategically strengthen and position our resources and personnel to be readily available in critical zones.
“We’ve intensified public awareness campaigns in all the Area Councils, which include: Abaji, Kwali, Gwagwalada,  Kuje, Bwari, and AMAC, educating residents about fire safety and precautionary measures”, he stated.
Tauheed explained that one of the goals of the service was to empower communities to be proactive on fire prevention.
He also said they have been drawing the attention of  home owners to ensure that their properties met safety standards, including fire-resistant construction and regular maintenance of fire extinguishers.
“Presently, some of our firefighters are undergoing rigorous training at National Fire Academy,  Sheda, in Kwali Area Council to enhance their capacity to combat various types of fires in the coming season and beyond”, Tauheed said.
He expressed optimism that FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, would replace the service’s fire fighting trucks as the current ones had almost exceeded their life span.
“In most cases,  post-fire fighting operations always result in repairs, resulting to exorbitant maintenance costs.
“However, investing in cutting-edge equipment and technology, such as advanced fire trucks and communication gadgets to bolster our response capabilities will in no small measure improve effective and efficient service delivery to FCT residents”, he said.
The spokesman added that collaboration with other emergency services and local authorities was the  cornerstone of the service strategy towards mitigating emergencies.
“We’ve established clear protocols for coordinated responses to fire emergencies and had reached out to NEMA,  FEMA,  FRSC,  NSCDC,  VIO and Red Cross to ensure rapid and effective response, minimizing damages and potential loss of lives.
“As you all know, dry season presents unique challenges, and we’re closely monitoring weather conditions.
“When conditions becomes unfavourable, we’re prepared to implement fire bans and restrictions to reduce the risk of accidental fires”, the official said.
Tauheed assured that the service, under the leadership of Mr Zachaeus Adebayo, was committed to the safety and well-being of FCT residents at all times.