By maryam Diallo Dakar
The Kaduna State Command of the Federal Fire Service wishes to inform the public about a fire incident that transpired at Panteka Plywood Market on January 17, 2024, around 11:00 pm. Regrettably, approximately 250 batcher shops were affected by the fire; however, there were no reported casualties.
Upon receipt of the distress call at 11:30 pm, the Federal Fire Service, Kaduna State Command promptly responded, effectively bringing the severe fire under control by 5:00 am on January 18, 2024.
In a press statement released by Deputy Controller of Fire State, Kaduna Command, Usman Mahmud Sadiq, the Federal Fire Service Kaduna State Command extends its sympathies to the Kaduna State Government and the affected shop owners. The command remains dedicated to providing essential support, including timely response, training, inspection, and investigation, to the affected traders and the broader community.
While the exact cause of the fire remains unknown, it has been determined that the fire was not a result of a natural accident but rather negligence stemming from a deficient electrification system within the affected areas of the market.
According to Sadiq, a collaborative effort involving the Federal Fire Service Kaduna State Command, NEMA, SEMA, and Kaduna State Fire Service is underway to investigate the root cause of the fire incident at Panteka Plywood Market. The aim is to develop a sustainable solution to prevent such occurrences in our marketplaces.
Recognizing the significant impact on the livelihoods of those affected, we express our heartfelt empathy and assure continuous support and commitment toward providing improved, effective, and efficient services to prevent future incidents, aligning with our mandate.
We urge the public to save emergency contact numbers for the Command’s stations throughout the state, considering the proximity to individual residences and businesses for swift responses in case of unforeseen emergencies.
Additionally, we implore residents to report fire incidents and other emergencies promptly to our office, emphasizing the importance of adopting preventive measures such as maintaining functional fire extinguishers, refraining from altering the market’s master plan, and engaging in periodic inspections, basic training, and certification with our office.
In collaboration with key stakeholders in the state, the Federal Fire Service Kaduna State Command is preparing to host a conference on ‘Incessant Fire Outbreaks and the Role of Key Stakeholders in Ensuring a Lasting Solution.’ Details will be announced soon.
We reassure the residents of Kaduna State that these unfortunate incidents will not deter us from our core objective of ensuring a safe environment for business operations 24/7.
A stern reminder is issued regarding the paramount importance of safe electricity installations and practices. It is a collective responsibility that demands serious consideration to prevent fire outbreaks.
