The Federal Fire Service is issuing a stern caution to all Nigerians, especially black market fuel vendors, regarding the grave dangers of storing fuel in unsafe locations at home, which could lead to devastating fire outbreaks.
The Federal Fire Service, Kaduna State Command, emphasizes the critical importance of avoiding the purchase or storage of fuel in hazardous areas.
In a statement released to the press on Friday, May 3rd, 2024, by Controller Sadiq Usman, the Federal Fire Service urges residents across Kaduna State and Nigeria to prioritize safety.
Controller Sadiq Usman advises that if fuel purchase is necessary due to scarcity, individuals should utilize designated storage facilities approved by relevant authorities.
Fuel, including gasoline, kerosene, and diesel, is highly flammable and poses a significant fire hazard. Storing these fuels inside residences or workplaces can have devastating consequences, including:
Accidental Fires, where Spills or leaks can ignite from open flames, electrical sparks, or even high temperatures.
Another factor to be consider is Toxic Fumes, Fuel vapours are dangerous to inhale and can cause respiratory problems, dizziness, and even death.
Additionally, he highlights the heightened risk faced by youths involved in the fuel reselling business, emphasizing the dangers of hoarding and reselling fuel in makeshift containers.
The unsafe storage of fuel, particularly in drums and jerrycans at home, significantly increases the likelihood of accidents, endangering both individuals and communities.
This call became necessary considering the danger posed by the activities of Fuel Storage for whatever reasons.
Among the hazard to be worried of is Explosion Risk: Fuel vapours can build up in enclosed spaces, creating a high risk of explosion if ignited.
It is in line with this that the Federal Fire Service, Kaduna state command urge everyone in Kaduna State and across Nigeria to avoid purchasing or storing fuel in unsafe locations. If you must purchase fuel due to the scarcity, seek designated storage facilities approved by relevant authorities.
We also called upon Kaduna State Government and other Relevant Agencies to take immediate action to address the fuel scarcity situation and ensure proper storage practices are followed throughout the supply chain.
The Federal Fire Service strongly encourages those involved in illicit fuel reselling to seek safer, legal means of income generation.
Furthermore, Controller Sadiq Usman calls upon the Kaduna State Government and other relevant agencies to take immediate action to address fuel scarcity issues and enforce proper storage protocols across the supply chain. By collectively prioritizing safety, tragedies stemming from improper fuel storage can be prevented.
Residents are urged to exercise caution and avoid storing fuel in unsafe locations to mitigate the risk of fire outbreaks in their communities. Additionally, individuals engaged in the black market sale of fuel are reminded of the perils associated with storing fuel in hazardous conditions.
In the event of an emergency, please contact the Federal Fire Service at 112 or the following numbers: 08032003557, 08024551935.
