By Victoria Onehi
The Federal Fire Service has put out multiple fire incidents across the country within the first hours of the New Year.
This high-tempo response directly reflects the December directive issued by the Controller General, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, instructing that no firefighter should proceed on holiday or leave throughout the festive period.
The National PRO/ Head Corporate Services, Federal Fire Service, DCF Paul Abraham in a statement said shortly after midnight, on January 1, firefighters were mobilised to a fire outbreak at Cake Hot Restaurant, within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja.
He said: “Crews arrived promptly and, in joint efforts with the FCT Fire Service, successfully contained the blaze, preventing what could have escalated into a major disaster in the busy recreational area. While a section of the garden was affected, no life was lost and no injuries were recorded. Property valued at approximately ₦1.5 billion was saved, with losses estimated at ₦500 million.
“Preliminary findings linked the incident to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing long-standing warnings against the use of fireworks.” Abraham said.
The Abuja incident he said echoes earlier cautions issued by CGF Adeyemi, who urged Nigerians to avoid fireworks, candles, and all forms of open flames indoors, particularly during the harmattan season when dry conditions allow fires to spread rapidly. He further warned about the dangers posed by electrical faults and power surges, advising citizens to always switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use or when leaving their homes, and to avoid overloading sockets and extension boxes.
Beyond Abuja, firefighters were simultaneously responding to incidents in Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara, and other locations nationwide, underscoring the importance of maintaining full manpower and readiness during peak-risk periods.
However,in Yenagoa, firefighters responded to a residential fire involving a wooden structure. Although property worth about ₦10 million was saved but sadly, the incident claimed the life of an 11-year-old child, with preliminary findings indicating the fire was caused by a candle left unattended.
Describing the Yenagoa incident as deeply painful and avoidable, the Federal Fire Service stressed that many fire outbreaks result from everyday actions that can be prevented through simple caution.
The Controller General Olumode expressed sympathy to the owner of the affected restaurant in Abuja and heartfelt condolences to the family of the child lost in Yenagoa.
Again, he urged Nigerians to treat harmattan-season fire safety warnings with the utmost seriousness and reminded the public to:
Always switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use or when not around,
* Avoid fireworks, candles, and open flames indoors
* Pay close attention to fire safety during celebrations
– Report fires immediately to the Federal Fire Service on 08032005737, or promptly walk in to the nearest fire service station.
“As we have seen from Abuja to Yenagoa, fire can break out in seconds,” the CGF warned. “But with vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents are preventable. Lives and livelihoods must always come before celebrations.
” The rapid nationwide response of firefighters highlights a Service on guard, prepared, and committed; and a renewed call to all Nigerians that fire safety is a shared responsibility.”Olumode said.
