JABI MARKET FIRE: MARKETS, MALLS URGED TO STRENGTHEN FIRE PREVENTION MEASURES
By: Nkechi Isa
The FCT Emergency Management Department (FEMD) has urged owners and managers of markets, malls and other commercial facilities in the Federal Capital Territory to prioritise fire prevention by providing adequate fire extinguishers and functional firefighting equipment.
The call followed an early-morning fire that destroyed several shops and stores at the building materials market located at Eda Plaza, opposite Chida Hotel in Jabi, Abuja.
The fire reportedly started at about 3:00 a.m. and affected several businesses dealing in building materials, destroying goods reportedly worth millions of naira.
Firefighters from the Federal Fire Service, FCT Fire Service and Julius Berger Fire Service responded to the incident and eventually brought the fire under control at about 10:14 a.m.
No life was lost in the incident, while the cause of the fire has yet to be officially established.
Reacting to the incident, FEMD stressed that prevention remains critical to reducing the frequency and impact of market fires across the FCT.
The department called on traders, market associations and facility managers to ensure that fire extinguishers and other firefighting equipment are readily available, properly maintained and accessible at all times.
FEMD also urged market operators to ensure that electrical installations are carried out by qualified professionals and regularly inspected to identify and correct faults before they trigger fires.
According to the department, routine safety inspections, proper storage of combustible materials and strict adherence to fire safety regulations are essential in preventing avoidable disasters in markets and commercial centres.
FEMD further advised residents and traders to immediately evacuate buildings whenever a fire breaks out and avoid actions that could obstruct or interfere with firefighters responding to an emergency.
The department encouraged market operators to familiarise themselves with basic fire prevention and emergency response procedures, including the location of emergency exits and firefighting equipment.
It also reminded residents that the 112 emergency toll-free number is available for reporting emergencies and urged members of the public to make prompt calls whenever they notice a fire or other emergency.
FEMD said collective vigilance, proper safety equipment and regular inspection of facilities are key to preventing fire outbreaks and protecting lives and property across the FCT.
