By Smart Emmanuel
As the Harmattan season sets in, stakeholders in kaduna state north western Nigeria have called on residents to take proactive measures to prevent climate-related incidents, including fire outbreaks, which are common during this dry season.
The Climate Change and Environment Desk at the Interfaith Mediation Center (IMC) Kaduna, in collaboration with African Climate Reporters (ACR) and a team of scientists, disaster management has strongly advised citizens against the harmful practice of bush burning.
In a statement released by Mr. Samson Auta, Co-Director of IMC Kaduna, he warned hunters to refrain from using fire in forests, particularly during the Harmattan winds and cold season , which can easily spread flames and cause uncontrollable fires.
Mr. Auta also urged the public to exercise extreme caution when handling fire or lighted objects at home and in workplaces to prevent fires.
In a similar vein, Comrade Nurudden Bello, Director of African Climate Reporters and climatologist at the College of Health Science and Technology, Kaduna, called on women to be especially mindful of fire safety in the kitchen.
He stressed the importance of safely managing cooking gas, kerosene, and other potential fire hazards to avoid accidents.
Additionally, the Network of Peace Journalists (NPJ) in Kaduna has appealed to the state’s fire services to intensify awareness campaigns, both online and offline, to educate the public on fire prevention during Harmattan.
Ibrahima Yakubu, Team Leader of the Network, also urged the state government to provide SEMA (State Emergency Management Agency) and NEMA (National Emergency Management Agency) with the necessary resources to enhance disaster management and fire safety education in markets, homes, schools, and public spaces.
