In 2021, the Yola Federal Fire Services rescued eight people and saved property worth 3.8 billion dollars in 64 fire incidents across the state.
Mr. Philip Odu, the service’s Yola Zonal Commander, made the announcement on Monday.
“From January 2021 to the present, the command has responded to 64 fire outbreak calls, carried out 11 rescue operations, and saved eight lives while losing three,” he said.
“In addition, property worth 3.87 billion was saved during the review period, while property worth 294.60 million was lost to fire disasters.”
A lack of public cooperation, according to the zonal commander, is a major challenge affecting the command’s services, particularly during operations.
According to him, unruly residents have attacked our officers and destroyed their equipment on numerous occasions.
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“Following the incessant attacks on our officers while on duty by unscrupulous elements,” Odu said, “Nigeria’s Security and Civil Defence Corps has attached some Arms Squad personnel to support and protect us whenever we go on rescue and fire outbreak operations.”
He also cited the outdated Fire Service Act of 1963, residents’ noncompliance with fire safety codes, and state governments’ lack of attention to the needs and welfare of the fire service as challenges impeding its operations.
In terms of the working relationship with other sister agencies, he stated that it was cordial and impressive.
The fire chief issued a public warning to the public to refrain from making false distress calls, emphasizing that anyone caught doing so would be dealt with harshly by the command.
