Prevention should not be left to emergency responders alone - Controller, Fire Service

The Federal Fire Service has identified faulty electrical installations, careless handling of cooking appliances, improper storage of combustible materials and unattended open flames as some of the major preventable causes of fire outbreaks in communities.

The Controller, Federal Fire Service, Taraba State Command, Yakubu Samson Dungus, made this known on Monday during the flag off of the 2026 National Fire Safety Week at the Taraba State Fire Service Headquarters in Jalingo.

The event, held under the theme, “Building a Fire Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time,” highlighted the need for collective responsibility and proactive measures in preventing fire incidents.

"Fire prevention should not be left to emergency responders alone, but requires the active participation of government, businesses, institutions, families and individuals,” Dungus stressed.

He called for increased public awareness, early detection systems and responsible safety practices to minimise fire incidents in homes, workplaces and public spaces.

Also speaking, the Taraba state government reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives, property and the environment through sustained public enlightenment, collaboration and preventive measures against fire outbreaks.

Representing the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gebon T Kataps, the Acting Secretary, Home Affairs and Special Services, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Mrs Christy Iliya, said the government remained committed to strengthening fire safety measures across the state.

She commended the Federal Fire Service and the Taraba State Fire Service for their continued efforts towards safeguarding lives and property.

Similarly, the General Officer Commanding, 10 Division Nigerian Army, Major General Nnebeife, represented by Major Oyom, Acting Commanding Officer, 10 Division Transport Battalion, lauded the two fire services for their commitment to protecting lives and property.

Other speakers at the event pledged their support for fire safety initiatives, stressing the importance of stronger institutional collaboration, public participation and collective action in building safer and fire-resilient communities across Taraba state.

Prevention should not be left to emergency responders alone - Controller, Fire Service