Kwara fire service warns against bush burning, cites recent incident
The Kwara State Fire Service has called on game hunters in the state to desist from setting fire to bushes in search of bush meat, saying that it has attended to at least five fire incidents caused by bush burning in December 2024 alone.
The State Fire Service, in a statement by Hassan Adekunle, Principal Fire Officer and Head of Media and Publicity department on Thursday, urged the people in the state to immediately stop the dangerous and destructive practice of bush burning in the state.
“This reckless act has led to several fire outbreaks across the state, causing damage to properties and posing serious threats to lives and the environment.
“We urge all monarchs, village heads, and community leaders to take responsibility by educating their people on the dangers of bush burning and its devastating consequences. Preventing these incidents is a collective duty that begins with awareness and action”, the statement said.
Below are some of the recent fire outbreaks caused by bush burning:
1. Fire at Balogun, Oke-Odo, Tanke, Ilorin
• Date: Tuesday, 17th December 2024
• Time: 14:44 hours
• Details: An abandoned hostel comprising six self-contained rooms and three single-room apartments was completely destroyed.
• Cause: An unidentified individual ignited an undergrowth.Related News
2. Fire behind Kwara Hotel, Ilorin
• Date: Tuesday, 17th December 2024
• Time: 19:20 hours
• Details: A fire started in an undergrowth.
• Outcome: The fire was quickly contained, preventing damage to any buildings.
3. Fire at Landmark University, Omu-Aran
• Date: Tuesday, 17th December 2024
• Time: 13:50 hours
• Details: An undergrowth fire broke out within the university grounds, requiring our immediate response.
4. Fire at Ganiki, Zango Area, Ilorin
• Date: Sunday, 15th December 2024
•Details: Yet another fire outbreak caused by bush burning.
5 . Fire at Igosun Town, Oyun Local Government
.Date: Thursday, 12th December 2024
• Time: 13:20 hours
• Details: A fire incident resulting from undergrowth burning.
“The Kwara State Fire Service is determined to protect lives and properties, but we cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of all Kwarans to stop bush burning immediately. This reckless behaviour has far-reaching consequences, and it is preventable if we act responsibly.
“If you notice any fire outbreak, report it immediately by calling the Fire Service. Together, let us build a safer and more fire-resilient Kwara State”, the statement added.
