Nigerians celebrating the Eid-el-kabir have been warned to take caution in preparing food and meat to forestall fire outbreaks during the religious festival.
The Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Liman Ibrahim gave the warning while facilitating with Nigerians observing the festival said all fire stations across the country have been put on red alert in the event of an outbreak during the celebration.
Eid-el-kabir is one of the two Islamic holidays celebrated worldwide each year.
Just like last year, the Coronavirus pandemic has restricted worshippers from observing the festival in a grand style.
Some state governments have cancelled the annual congregational prayers, banned public gatherings, and reeled out safety protocols in a bid to curb the spread of the virus.
This is in compliance with a circular issued by the Presidential Steering Committee on COVID-19 putting six states and the FCT on red alert over the third wave of COVID-19.
Mr. Liman in a statement issued by the public relations officer of the fire service, Ugo Huan Tuesday morning said even while celebrating on a lowkey, all fire safety precautions must be adhered to.
According to the CG, the Eid-el-kabir celebration comes with slaughtering and roasting of animals as well as cooking.
“Muslim faithful must be very careful and conscious so as to avoid careless acts that would result to fire outbreaks
“The roasting of animals must be in an open space, gas cylinders should be kept outside the kitchen, cooking must not be left unattended, when going out electrical appliances should to switched off, children must not be allowed to play with matches or go near the fire and more importantly a functional fire extinguisher should be at sight in the home”, the official said.
According to the statement, the Controller General directed all Zonal and State commanders to ensure that all fire stations are ready to respond to any fire call within the quickest possible time.
Mr. Liman also called on Nigerians to always call the emergency numbers (08032003557, 112) any time there is a fire or another emergency.
