As the harmattan season brings dry air and increases the risk of fire outbreaks, safety professional Joy Ofori has warned against storing inflammable materials such as cartons in the kitchen. In an interview with our reporter, Ms. Ofori, an HSC inspector in Bonny, also urged the public not to burn refuse without proper monitoring.
“Some people keep cartons from TVs, ACs, and refrigerators in their kitchens, and these are combustible. For those cooking with firewood, it is necessary to extinguish the fire completely when you are done cooking. For those burning bushes or planning to burn waste during this period, we advise that you do not leave the flames unattended. Also, people should avoid using candles or lanterns near inflammable materials, as these could also cause a fire outbreak. Avoid smoking or throwing cigarette butts in dry bushes,” she said.
The HSC inspector also warned against overloading electrical extensions or using naked wires to plug into fuses, emphasizing the need for caution regardless of the season. Ms. Ofori further advised residents of Rivers State to equip themselves with basic knowledge of how to use a fire extinguisher.
“If possible, have a fire extinguisher in your home or office and learn how to use it. Teach your family members how to extinguish a fire in case of an emergency. It is also important for people to have the contact numbers of fire emergency centers, so you can call them in the event of a fire outbreak,” she added.
This warning comes after a fire outbreak over the weekend opposite Igwuruta Market, which affected about eight lockup shops. Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed, and eyewitnesses reported that it took the efforts of some patriotic citizens to extinguish the fire.
