The Kwara State Government has warned residents about the dangers of open burning and careless handling of fire, stressing that such practices pose significant risks to lives, property, and the environment.
In a statement released on Friday, the General Manager of the Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency, Jide Aina, said the government is considering a policy to make fire extinguishers mandatory in all regulated premises and residential buildings across the state.
Aina described recent fire incidents in different parts of Kwara as “worrisome” and avoidable, emphasizing that adherence to safety regulations could have prevented most of the disasters.
“Most fire disasters are preventable if residents and business operators follow basic safety guidelines and adopt precautionary measures,” he said.
“Negligence and disregard for safety rules often result in unnecessary loss of lives and property.”
He noted that indiscriminate burning of waste not only increases the risk of fire but also contributes to environmental degradation, air pollution, and health hazards.
Aina urged residents to adopt environmentally friendly waste disposal methods and highlighted the importance of fire safety equipment.
“Business owners and homeowners should procure and maintain functional fire extinguishers. Early intervention can prevent small fires from escalating into major disasters,” he said.
The KWEPA chief also revealed that enforcement of the new fire safety regulation would begin soon, with defaulters subject to sanctions under existing environmental and safety laws. He called on residents to cooperate by reporting potential fire hazards and avoiding unsafe practices.
The warning comes after several fire incidents in the state, including the death of a 73-year-old man, Pastor Awolola, at Irewolede, Ilorin, who reportedly set fire to undergrowth on his farmland. In another incident, property worth millions of naira was destroyed at Owode Market in Offa, while a separate fire was reported at the Olohunkushe area of the town.
“Residents must remain vigilant and proactive,” Aina said. “Simple safety measures can save lives, protect property, and preserve the environment.”
