…Committee Inaugurated to Enhance Fire Prevention and Safety

By Ugochukwu Alaribe

UMUAHIA — The Aba South Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State has established a committee to address fire outbreaks in the region.

During the inauguration ceremony in Aba, the Mayor of the council, Chief Anyanwu Obialo, emphasized that the committee’s purpose is to develop, train, and bring in experts to ensure that fire incidents are effectively managed and minimized.

Chief Obialo charged the committee to create a blueprint for reducing fire outbreaks, stressing that the council is committed to ending the era of frequent fire incidents in Aba. He further urged the committee to conduct effective sensitization campaigns targeting households and markets to educate residents on fire prevention measures.

“The essence of the Aba South Action Committee on Fire Outbreaks is to develop, train, and bring in experts to ensure that fire outbreaks are reduced to the barest minimum. Fire outbreaks are among the most underreported incidents in Aba. The recent one at Lagos Street consumed several buildings,” Obialo stated.

He noted that the council would also collaborate with the Town Planning Authority to incorporate fire prevention strategies into building plans and approval processes.

Chief Obialo also commended Governor Alex Otti for giving Aba town a facelift and assured that the local government has aligned with the Governor’s infrastructure renewal projects.

The Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nkwachukwu Nganga Nwafor, pledged to fulfill the committee’s mandate of reducing fire incidents in Aba. He identified ignorance and nonchalant attitudes as major contributors to fire outbreaks and promised to begin massive sensitization campaigns in markets and households across the city.

“Ignorance and nonchalance are major factors that cause fire outbreaks. Fire is not something to joke with, because once it starts, it rages until the entire building is gutted. It also claims lives when precautions are ignored,” Nwafor explained.

He highlighted common fire risks, including generating sets in markets and gas cylinders in homes, adding that even mismanaged fire extinguishers could pose fire hazards. The committee plans to educate residents about these risks and promote safety awareness.

In his remarks, Elder Nnachi Okogbuo, a fire consultant, stressed the need for a comprehensive fire safety audit that includes prevention, containment, firefighting, and evacuation strategies.