The leadership of the Federal Fire Service ( FFS) and the Nigerian Air Force have agreed to forge their tactical expertise in suppressing and stemming the tide of incessant fire outbreaks in the country.
The partnership was sealed when the acting Controller -general of the Federal Fire Service, Dr. Karebo Pere Samson , who is bent on delivering on his mandate on Wednesday, led a delegation of senior firefighters on a courtesy visit to the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amoa , at the headquarters of the Nigerian Air Force.
The FFS boss who assured Nigerians of an 87 per cent probability of success in combating fire disaster in the country said, the partnership is aimed at deploying aerial aircraft and other aerial resources to combat major fire outbreaks .
These aircrafts, according to him, are to be used in aerial command and control roles in fighting major fires, providing tactical coordination with commanders on the ground and other aircraft in the sky.
He explained that the move is to among other strategies undo the obstacles of lack of access and proximity to affected areas , adding that it is also dangerous for firefighters to enter into some burning buildings to fight fire.
The acting CGF who expressed worry about the frequent fire disasters recorded in the country , which he said was affecting the nation’s economy negatively emphatically said , he is desirous of justifying the taxpayer’s funds that are annually allocated for firefighting by the federal government.
Dr. Karebo, who has vowed not to only meet his obligations but to exceed expectations while saddling the affairs of the Fire Service , promised to ensure that highly mobile aircraft are positioned around the country to respond to all manner of fires, protect communities, public and commercial buildings as well as to support firefighters on the ground.
He said, “So it is not surprising that the Federal Fire Service is seeking to introduce new technologies against a threat that will only get worse due to climate change.
While explaining that under ideal conditions aircraft can slow a fire enough to allow ground based firefighters an opportunity to contain sections of the fire’s edge by constructing a fireline, the acting CG however noted that wrong winds or dense smoke can also make it impossible for aircraft to operate safely or effectively.
On his part, the Chief of Air Staff , Isaika Amoa Air Marshal promised to provide the Fire Service with all the necessary support to ensure the safety of Nigerian.
Amoa, who revealed that the Nigerian Air force have adequate Aircrafts on ground stressed the need for an outright intensive training for both agencies as it relates to aerial fire fighting to boost effectiveness and an impressive result.
He said, as climate change heats up , alongside the possibility of man-made fire outbreaks, preparing ourselves for the fire storms that are sure to come is a step in the right direction.
To ensure maximum result, both agencies have set up a committee to immediately commence the processes of collaboration.
The Wednesday, February 23 Ministry of Finance minor fire outbreak in Abuja is just the latest of many that has affected government offices across country.
In May 2020, a part of the Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) building in Abuja was gutted by fire.
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A month before that incident, a building housing the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) was also gutted by fire.
Others were the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) headquarters in Maitama, Abuja, the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the popular Dugbe Market in Ibadan, Oyo State, Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja and public stores, markets, among many others.
