Harmattan: KADUNA Agency Warns Hunters, Residents Against Bush Burning

Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has warned hunters, farmers and other residents against indiscriminate bush burning as the harmattan season approaches.

In a statement, the co-director of KADCCAM, Ibrahima Yakubu, urged the residents to take precautionary measures to prevent fires, particularly in communities, farmlands, forests, markets and other areas vulnerable to fire outbreaks.

He called on hunters, farmers, traders and business owners to exercise caution when handling fire, cooking equipment, electrical appliances and other potential sources of ignition.

Yakubu specifically advised against uncontrolled bush burning, careless disposal of cigarette butts and open-air burning of refuse.

He also urged households and institutions to inspect electrical connections, switch off unused appliances and keep fire extinguishers or basic firefighting equipment where possible.

Yakubu, however, cautioned the residents against storing flammable materials close to heat sources and advised them to keep access roads and emergency exits clear to facilitate emergency response.

Beyond fire prevention, KADCCAM warned against indiscriminate waste disposal, open-air burning of waste, deforestation, and other activities that contribute to air pollution and environmental degradation.

The organisation also urged farmers and herders to adopt responsible land management practices, protect trees and vegetation and avoid activities that could worsen land degradation.

KADCCAM said that preventing environmental disasters required collective action by government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, community associations, civil society organisations, and residents.