The Kwara State Fire Service has raised an urgent public safety alert following a fire incident on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at No. 52 Mandate Housing Estate, Ilorin.
The fire, which nearly destroyed a three-bedroom flat, was sparked by a 9-year-old child playing with matches. The child inadvertently ignited a mattress, causing a blaze that could have resulted in a larger tragedy.
In response, the Fire Service is urging parents and guardians to exercise heightened vigilance, particularly as children spend their holidays at home with limited supervision.
The agency has called on families to keep flammable materials like matches and lighters securely out of children’s reach and to educate them about the dangers of playing with fire.
As the festive season approaches, the service has also issued a strong warning about the hazards of firecrackers, commonly known as “bangers.”
Highlighting the risks, the agency recalled a tragic incident where a boy, trying to hide his use of firecrackers, accidentally set off a fire that destroyed his family’s home.
The service emphasized that such preventable tragedies underscore the importance of educating children about fire safety and ensuring responsible use of potentially hazardous items.
PFO Hassan Hakeem Adekunle, Head of Media and Publicity for the Kwara State Fire Service, appealed to residents to take all necessary precautions to protect lives and property during the festive period.
Post a Comment