The Ekiti State Government has once again warned residents against indiscriminate bush burning as the harmattan season sets in, emphasizing the need to prevent avoidable fire outbreaks across the state.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Information, Rt. Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, issued the caution in Ado Ekiti, urging all stakeholders, including government officials, traders, business owners, and corporate organizations, to strictly adhere to fire prevention and safety measures.
According to him, fire outbreaks remain one of the most common disasters during harmattan due to the extremely dry and dusty winds that enable fires to spread rapidly with minimal ignition.
He said, “The harmattan period is at hand when incessant fire outbreaks are experienced. For safety and control against fire disasters, residents are advised to avoid all actions that may fuel such incidents.”
Olatunbosun identified several risky behaviors that increase fire hazards, including indiscriminate bush burning, careless disposal of lit cigarette butts, smoking near volatile chemicals or flammable materials, and the misuse of candles, matches, and other open-flame devices. He added that negligence in the kitchen—such as unattended cooking or placing flammable items near heat sources—remains a leading cause of fire disasters.
While acknowledging that firecrackers and fireworks are popular during festive seasons like Christmas, he warned that their use can trigger panic, fire outbreaks, injuries, and property damage.
Olatunbosun stressed that many disasters can be prevented if residents take precautionary steps such as switching off and unplugging electrical appliances before leaving homes or offices, keeping flammable materials away from ignition sources, and avoiding parking recently-driven vehicles on dry grass.
He further noted the importance of vegetation management around homes, describing it as a crucial fire mitigation strategy. “Creating defensible space helps slow or stop the spread of wildfire and protects properties from direct flame contact and radiant heat,” he added.
Reaffirming the government’s commitment to public safety, Olatunbosun said the administration remains dedicated to sustaining Ekiti’s reputation as one of the safest states in Nigeria. He highlighted several interventions by the Oyebanji administration, including the provision and rehabilitation of solar-powered motorized boreholes to support water supply at the seven fire stations located in Ado, Ikere, Ido, Ijero, Aramoko, Ikole, and Omuo Ekiti.
Other interventions include the purchase of firefighting engines, equipment, consumables, and the establishment of emergency call numbers for swift response. “These deliberate and comprehensive strategies aim to prevent fires, detect them early, and effectively respond to and mitigate their effects. This is why the fire stations in Ado and Ikere were completely overhauled, while an ultramodern Fire Service Station with two advanced firefighting trucks was established at the new Agro-Allied International Cargo Airport,” he explained.
Olatunbosun also listed fire emergency numbers in the state as follows:
• Ado Fire Service Headquarters: 07069582302, 08035785164
• Ido Fire Station: 08037204032
• Omuo Fire Station: 08069090729
• Ikole Fire Station: 08062774145
• Ikere Fire Station: 08038476483
• Aramoko Fire Station: 07060469992
• Ijero Fire Station: 08035265726
- • Federal Fire Service (State Command): 08039637328, 08026584719
Last modified: November 18, 2025
