The Kwara State Environmental Protection Agency (KWEPA) has warned residents to desist from open burning and careless handling of fire as the harmattan season intensifies, citing increased risks of fire outbreaks across the state.
The warning was issued on Tuesday by the General Manager of KWEPA, Hon. Jide Aina, in a statement released through the agency’s Press Secretary, Aliyu Jamiu Amode.
Aina expressed concern over recent fire incidents recorded in different parts of Kwara State, describing the situation as alarming but largely preventable if safety regulations are strictly observed.
According to him, negligence and disregard for basic fire safety measures remain major causes of avoidable losses to lives, property and the environment.
“Most fire disasters are preventable if residents and business operators comply with safety guidelines and take necessary precautions,” Aina said.
He explained that indiscriminate open burning of refuse and waste materials contributes to air pollution, environmental degradation, health hazards and the destruction of both public and private property.
The KWEPA boss urged residents to adopt safer and environmentally friendly waste disposal practices in line with the agency’s regulations.
He also advised homeowners, business operators and managers of regulated premises to acquire and properly maintain functional fire extinguishers, stressing that early-response equipment can prevent small fires from escalating into major disasters.
Aina further disclosed that the agency is finalising plans to make the installation of fire extinguishers mandatory in all regulated premises and residential buildings across the state.
He warned that enforcement of the directive would begin soon, adding that defaulters would be sanctioned in accordance with existing environmental and safety laws.
Reaffirming KWEPA’s commitment to environmental protection and public safety, Aina called on residents to cooperate with the agency by adhering to safety guidelines, reporting fire hazards promptly and avoiding practices that could endanger lives and property.
