The Federal Fire and Rescue Service has sought the support and collaboration of Kaduna State with the provision of adequate fire equipment for improved services.
The Assistant Controller General, Northwest Zonal Command representing Kaduna and Katsina State, Mu’azu Aliyu Tambari made the appeal when he led a delegation to the Government House, Kaduna.
He said the visit was to remind the Governor of the earlier request made by the Controller General Fire, CGF, in providing the service with a piece of land to build a permanent site for the Zonal Command and also with the provision of diesel to compliment the efforts of the Federal government.
Tambari also appealed for vehicles that will assist the service in carrying out sensitization awareness campaigns and conveying security personnel that will assist crowd control during emergencies within the State.
Decentralization of operations
According to him, for the purpose of improving on their operational response timing, they have decentralized the operational base and opened four stations within the state capital in Sabon Tasha, Unguwan Dosa, Kawo and Rigachikun respectively.
“Furthermore, to complement the operations and to achieve a wider coverage of the state, the Controller General Fire, Alhaji Ibrahim has deployed additional fire fighting appliances and two ultramodern ambulances to Kaduna and Zaria which has since been carrying out fire fighting operations and providing first aid for victims of accidents and other emergencies”, he said.
Tambari mentioned that the CGF also approved the deployment of
brand new water tanker to support the existing appliance available on ground.
The ACG further appreciated the state government for providing adequate infrastructural development in the state especially road networks which has made their work easier in responding to emergencies.
He recognized the efforts made by SEMA, NEMA, Red Cross, the state fire service and other sister agencies for the synergy and support being given to the service in discharging its responsibilities of saving lives and properties.
Collaboration with state government
In her response, the Acting Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe said the State is looking forward to establishing partnership and collaboration with the fire service for improved services in the State.
According to her, fire outbreaks usually occur during harmattan which is just around the corner, saying, people are used to either lighting fire or using electrical appliances to keep themselves warm which sometimes raze down houses and offices.
She said people need to be sensitized on the need to control and prevent the fire so that it will help lessen the job of the fire service.
“Your service is an important component of the community so more trucks and other fire equipment will be provided to support the service you render”, she added.
She appealed to the fire service to improve on the capacity of other fire stations in the 23 LGAs across the State so that they don’t have to always rely on the State for help.
Nneka Ukachukwu
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