Against the backdrop of recent fire outbreaks which have become rampant in Anambra State resulting in loss of lives, destruction of valuable properties valued in millions of Naira, the State Commissioner of Police, John Abang has listed reasons why it has become so.

According to the Police Chief, findings by the Command revealed that the major causes of fire incidents in Anambra State were the Harmattan season, bush burning, electricity, careless handling of gas cookers and cylinders, over-speeding, overloading of trucks, and potholes, among others.

The Commissioner of Police, in a statement by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, Haruna Mohammed, a Superintendent of Police, expressed his regrets over the incessant incidents, while emphasizing the need for preventive measures.

He expressed concern that cases of fire incidents have become almost a daily occurrence in the State, urging ‘Ndi Anambra’ and residents alike to endeavour and take preventive measures in order to avert or minimize cases of fire outbreaks ravaging the State.

CP Abang cautioned the public against bush burning, reckless driving, especially, by trucks laden with inflammable substances, and overloading, which incessantly cause electric sparks when in contact with Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) cables hovering across the highways.

He enjoined residents of Anambra State to always switch off all electronic appliances in their homes and offices when not in use to avoid electric power surge.

It would be recalled that in the last five months, the Command has recorded about twenty five (25) cases of fire incidents, which were officially reported.

These include six cases involving trucks, ten cases involving residential buildings, two cases involving markets, two cases involving schools, three cases involving government offices, one case each  affecting a church and a hotel, respectively.

The resultant effects of the above cases of fire incidents included loss of lives, injuries to persons and destruction of buildings and numerous properties worth billions of Naira, thereby subjecting the victims to untold hardships.