The Director, Ekiti State Fire Service, Mr Andrew Famosaya, has urged civil servants and members of the public to embrace effective fire prevention and safety measures to safeguard lives and property.
Famosaya gave the advice during a lecture on “Fire Prevention and Management in Public and Private Buildings”, organised for members of staff of the Ekiti State Ministry of Works in Ado-Ekiti.
He said fire outbreaks could be significantly reduced through increased awareness, regular maintenance of electrical installations and strict adherence to safety regulations in homes, offices and public buildings.
According to him, negligence, faulty electrical wiring, indiscriminate use of gas cylinders, careless handling of naked flames and improper storage of flammable materials remain major causes of fire incidents.
The director advised workers to switch off electrical appliances after work, avoid overloading electrical sockets and promptly replace damaged or frayed cables.
He also urged them to keep heat sources and naked flames away from flammable materials such as paper, wood ,rugs and chemical substances.
Famosaya stressed the need for proper housekeeping and safe disposal of office waste, warning that accumulated refuse could provide fuel for fire outbreaks.
He advised ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) to install and regularly service fire extinguishers, conduct periodic fire drills, provide emergency response training and establish clear evacuation procedures.
The Director also encouraged every MDA to establish functional fire safety committees and designate emergency marshals to coordinate responses during fire incidents.
He urged workers to test smoke alarms regularly and familiarise themselves with at least two exit routes from their offices and other buildings.
Famosaya advised residents to immediately alert the Fire Service whenever a fire outbreak occurred, warning against attempting to fight large fires without professional assistance.
He said prompt action during emergencies could save lives and minimise damage to property.
The Director assured residents of the Fire Service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through continuous public enlightenment, prompt emergency response and regular inspection of public facilities.
He commended the management of the Ministry of Works for organising the lecture, describing it as a proactive step toward promoting workplace safety and preventing avoidable disasters.
Speaking, the Commissioner for Works, Mr Sola Adebayo, described the lecture as timely and beneficial, noting that fire safety was a shared responsibility requiring the cooperation of every member of staff.
Adebayo urged workers to apply the knowledge gained from the lecture in their offices and homes, adding that the state government would continue to support programmes aimed at promoting safety and protecting public infrastructure.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Dr Kayode Ibijola, appreciated the director and officers of the Ekiti State Fire Service for the enlightening presentation and practical safety demonstration.
Ibijola urged members of staff to remain vigilant, comply with fire safety guidelines and serve as ambassadors of fire prevention in their communities to reduce the incidence of fire disasters across the state.
