By Richard Akintade, Osogbo
The Osun State government has called on residents and traders in the state to be safety conscious to prevent fire outbreak in and around their environment this hamattan season.
The Director of Fire Service in the state, Mr Ogundipe Michael made this call while reacting to the way his men were mercilessly beaten by some traders of Oje Market, Ede, during the fire incident that gutted the ancient market on Saturday.
According to him, there is usually no warning when fire outbreak occurs but experience has shown that incidences of fire are more during the dry season.
The Director said: “The harmattan season is here, which it is important for people to know how to curtail persistent fire outbreaks, which commonly occurs during the dry season.
“Most residents and shop owners are careless in handling electrical appliances; they mostly forget to put out their appliances after they close for the day”.
Michael added that this could later lead to fire outbreaks if not properly managed “and in a populated environment, it poses a high risk to occupants and their property”.
The Director said further that, “As part of disaster management, the agency will do everything possible, including sensitization and quick response to prevent and curtail fire outbreaks”.
The state Director of Fire Service, who condemned in totality the attacked on his men by some traders of Oje Market at Ede enjoined people to always demonstrate humility as all men of the agency are workaholic, dedicated and ready to attend to people’s calls whenever it comes to them for any help most especially disaster management.
Michael used the medium to appreciate the governor of the state, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola for his unflinching support to the development of the department.
He appealed to the people of the state to be conversant with telephone numbers of fire and emergency services (08030808254) to enable them to make calls when the need arises
