By Joseph Momoh, Reporter, Daily Scope
The National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA) has expressed serious concern regarding a surge in fire incidents across the country, with 38 cases reported in January and February 2025.
The Southern Region has been the most affected, recording 15 incidents, followed closely by the Western Area with 10. The Northern Region reported 8 incidents, while the Eastern and Northwestern regions logged 5 and 4 incidents, respectively.
This alarming increase in fire outbreaks has placed significant strain on NDMA’s emergency response teams nationwide. In response, the Agency is urging residents to remain vigilant and adhere to proactive fire prevention measures. Preliminary assessments by the NDMA indicate that most incidents are attributed to electrical faults, unsafe cooking practices, and improper burning of farms. The ongoing dry season, which elevates fire risks, has further exacerbated bushfires in many villages.
In collaboration with the National Fire Force and other key stakeholders, the NDMA is engaging communities through public awareness campaigns on radio and television to educate citizens about fire prevention. These efforts focus on promoting safe handling of electrical appliances, responsible cooking practices, and the establishment of farm belts to prevent bushfires.
Lit. Gen. (Rtd.) Brima Sesay, Director General of the NDMA, emphasized the need for a collective approach to fire prevention. “The recent spike in fire incidents is deeply concerning, and we must all take responsibility for fire safety. Simple preventive measures, such as switching off electrical appliances when not in use, avoiding overloading sockets, refraining from cooking indoors, and ensuring proper demarcation of farm belts can save lives and property. The NDMA remains committed to supporting affected populations and strengthening our national response capacity,” he stated.
The NDMA is actively conducting assessments across the country to identify beneficiaries who will receive necessary assistance to mitigate the impact of these fire incidents.
The Agency urges the public to remain vigilant and promptly report potential fire hazards. Targeted strategies and implementation plans are currently being developed to reduce future fire risks.
The NDMA reassures citizens that it is working tirelessly to minimize the occurrence of fire incidents nationwide. Citizens are encouraged to stay informed and report any fire threats via NDMA’s toll-free line, 1199, available on all networks.
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