Fire outbreak: NEMA conducts sensitisation campaign in markets

The National Emergency Management Agency’s South-South Zone held a fire prevention, mitigation, and response sensitization/awareness campaign in Port Harcourt on Wednesday.

Mr Godwin Tepikor, the campaign’s coordinator, told reporters that the goal of the campaign, which was held at the Ultra-Modern Market, Mile 3, was to raise the awareness of traders and the general public about the dry season.

According to Tepikor, the dry season was synonymous with fire because it was a time when objects or materials would become dry and combustible.

He recalled that even though the rain had yet to stop in Rivers, the state had seen a number of fires break out.

“So, we believe that if it could happen during the rainy season, much more may happen now; and for this reason, we chose to sensitize the population, particularly the traders.”

“It’s to raise people’s awareness in this season to take precaution, to prevent action or inaction that can result in fire outbreaks,” he explained.

According to the NEMA zonal coordinator, the campaign was carried out in collaboration with other stakeholders.

The Federal Fire Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Rivers Ministry of Special Duties, and the Nigerian Red Cross are among them.

He praised the sister agencies and stakeholders for their dedication and cooperation during the exercise.

Mrs Lilian Wofu, the market’s Vice Chairman, praised NEMA and other stakeholders for organizing the campaign.

Wofu stated that the campaign taught her a lot, particularly the practical aspect of putting out fires.

“As a woman, I’ve gained a lot because, in addition to selling in the market, I cook in the kitchen.”

“In the past, I used a cooking pot cover to cover my frying pan when there was a fire, but now I know it’s better to use a fire blanket and have fire-fighting materials on hand,” she explained.

She promised that the union would call a meeting and educate their members on how to put out fires.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), traders and the general public have been advised to call the fire department as soon as a small fire starts, rather than waiting until it is too late.