The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Ekiti State Operations Office, yesterday, sensitised traders and residents of the state to fire prevention as harmattan and dry seasons set in.

The Operation Manager in charge of Ondo and Ekiti states, Mr. Kadiri Olanrewaju, said the exercise was to create awareness on fire prevention, for people, especially traders, to take precautionary measures in handling inflammable materials.

Olanrewaju stated this during a road-show on sensitisation and awareness campaign against fire disasters in Ado-Ekiti, especially at Fayose, Oja-Oba and Bisi markets, the major markets in the state capital.
The NEMA boss explained that fire had claimed several lives and property in different parts of the country, hence all hands must be on the deck to prevent any forms of fire outbreak.

NEMA, realised that the time is the time to sensitise the public, to ensure that all preventive measures are put in place to reduce the negative effect of fire disasters,” he said.
Olanrewaju, therefore, appealed to hunters to avoid indiscriminate bush burning during the period of harmattan, saying that air aids free flow of fire during this season.

He advised the residents of the state that in instances of fire incident, they should move out and remain outside until the fire service arrives.
Also, Mr. Ojo Augustine has advised traders to adhere to safety measures by switching off all electrical appliances in their shops before closing and ensure that fire extinguishers is in their shops in case of fire outbreak.

He added that the use of generators, stoves and candles should be avoided in market places. One of the traders at Bisi Market, Mr. Taiwo Ige, who spoke on behalf of others, appreciated the NEMA officials for enlightening them on the danger of fire outbreak.