Harmattan: Agency Warns Against Wildfire-inducing Activities

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has appealed to residents to shun acts capable of causing wildfire in the territory during the dry season.

In a statement signed by the agency’s head of public affairs, the acting director-general of FEMA, Mr Mohammed Sabo, said the dry conditions and strong winds during the harmattan season could lead to an elevated risk of wildfire.

Sabo stated that the harmattan and dry season in Nigeria poses various challenges that require a proactive and comprehensive disaster management approach.

He cautioned against indiscriminate bush burning, particularly in the communities, advising that petroleum products should be discharged only when the temperature is cool.

The director-general also advised residents to always switch off electrical appliances when not in use, and that all homes, cars, and business places be equipped with basic fire fighting equipment, particularly an extinguisher.

He explained that reduced visibility due to dust and haze can impact road and air travel and appealed to practitioners to exercise caution and heed flight advisories this season.

Sabo further called on residents of the FCT to always use the 112 emergency toll-free number in the event of an emergency.