Delta records 23 fire outbreaks in six months

The Commissioner for the Bureau for Special Duties in Delta, Mr Chika Ossai, said on Sunday that the state recorded 23 fire outbreaks between May and October, 2016.

Ossai told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Asaba that the incidents occurred in six towns in the state and that property worth millions of naira were destroyed in the process.

He, however, said that no live was lost in any of the cases.

He said that 10 incidents were recorded in Asaba, two in Agbor, six in Warri, two in Ogwashi-uku, two in Ughelli and one in Kwale during the period.

“I can say that the number of occurrences was drastically reduced when compared with the figure we had this period last year.

“We are now approaching the dry season, and we have our enlightenment campaigns on televisions and radio on the need for people to take some measures to prevent fire outbreaks.

“People are advised, for instance, to always switch off their electrical appliances when leaving their homes for work or business,” he said.

Ossai said that 10 out of the 14 fire stations in the state were functional, adding that there were only four stations before the present administration assumed office.

He that fire fighting equipment had been deployed in the three senatorial districts of the state.

“In Delta North Senatorial District, the stations are located in Asaba, Ogwgashi-Uku, Issele-Uku and Kwale, while in Delta South, they are located in Warri and Oleh.

“There are also functional fires stations in Effurun, Ughelli, Sapele and Oghara, in Delta Central,’’ he said.

Ossai also said that the state government was collaborating with oil companies operating in the state in the training of fire officers.