KWARA FIRE SERVICE ADVISES AGAINST BUSH BURNING, HIGHLIGHTS RECENT INCIDENTS
The Kwara State Fire Service has urged game hunters to stop setting bushes on fire while hunting for bush meat. The agency revealed that it has responded to no fewer than five fire incidents in December 2024 caused by such bush burning activities.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hassan Adekunle, the Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity, called on residents of the state to abandon this harmful and destructive practice to prevent further damage.
āThis reckless act has led to several fire outbreaks across the state, causing damage to properties and posing serious threats to lives and the environment.
āWe urge all monarchs, village heads, and community leaders to take responsibility by educating their people on the dangers of bush burning and its devastating consequences. Preventing these incidents is a collective duty that begins with awareness and actionā, the statement said.
Below are some of the recent fire outbreaks caused by bush burning:
1. Fire at Balogun, Oke-Odo, Tanke, Ilorin
ā¢ Date: Tuesday, 17th December 2024
ā¢ Time: 14:44 hours
ā¢ Details: An abandoned hostel comprising six self-contained rooms and three single-room apartments was completely destroyed.
ā¢ Cause: An unidentified individual ignited an undergrowth.
2. Fire behind Kwara Hotel, Ilorin
ā¢ Date: Tuesday, 17th December 2024
ā¢ Time: 19:20 hours
ā¢ Details: A fire started in an undergrowth.
ā¢ Outcome: The fire was quickly contained, preventing damage to any buildings.
3. Fire at Landmark University, Omu-Aran
ā¢ Date: Tuesday, 17th December 2024
ā¢ Time: 13:50 hours
ā¢ Details: An undergrowth fire broke out within the university grounds, requiring our immediate response.
4. Fire at Ganiki, Zango Area, Ilorin
ā¢ Date: Sunday, 15th December 2024
ā¢Details: Yet another fire outbreak caused by bush burning.
5 . Fire at Igosun Town, Oyun Local Government
.Date: Thursday, 12th December 2024
ā¢ Time: 13:20 hours
ā¢ Details: A fire incident resulting from undergrowth burning.
āThe Kwara State Fire Service is determined to protect lives and properties, but we cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of all Kwarans to stop bush burning immediately. This reckless behaviour has far-reaching consequences, and it is preventable if we act responsibly.
āIf you notice any fire outbreak, report it immediately by calling the Fire Service. Together, let us build a safer and more fire-resilient Kwara Stateā, the statement added.