13 die in Kaduna fire outbreaks

Thirteen persons died in 163 fire outbreaks recorded in Kaduna State in the last quarter of 2015, the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) said on Wednesday.

The Director, State Fire Service, Adamu Kadams, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kaduna that 13 others were rescued from the incidents while six people sustained injuries.

Kadams said that during the period, about N1 million was lost to the fire outbreaks while the service was able to save properties worth N2.7 million.

He attributed the outbreaks to electrical faults, candle light, cooking and bush burning, but added that electricity was the major cause.

Kadams, therefore, advised people to always turn off electrical appliances and extinguish fire properly after use.

“ When there is fire people should call in good time, and residents should stop creating bumps on the roads to enable fire engine get to emergencies on time,’’ he said.

The director said the agency would continue to sensitize residents on fire safety measures to reduce its impact before the arrival of fire fighters.

He also advised people to take insurance cover to minimize losses in case of fire and other disasters. (NAN)