The Federal Fire Service has launched a nationwide safety campaign to prevent fire incidents during the upcoming Ramadan fasting period.
This follows the announcement by the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, which urged the Muslim community to begin the moon sighting after sunset on Friday, February 28, to mark the start of Ramadan.
In a statement on Friday, the Controller General of the FFS, Jaji Abdulganiyu, warned of a higher risk of fire accidents during Ramadan due to late-night and early-morning cooking, combined with fatigue and dehydration, which can reduce concentration.
“Fasting can sometimes cause lower concentration levels, especially when individuals are hungry, tired, and dehydrated. This, combined with the distractions and busy kitchens during Ramadan, makes fire hazards more prevalent,” Jaji said.
He pointed out that many traditional Ramadan meals involve deep frying, which increases the risk of kitchen fires if safety measures are ignored. He urged people never to leave cooking unattended and to keep children away from the kitchen to prevent accidents.
“We understand that cooking is central to Ramadan and that many households prepare traditional dishes for iftar. However, it’s crucial to be aware that the combination of late-night cooking, fatigue, and distractions can lead to dangerous accidents,” he added.
Jaji also warned against wearing loose clothing like jubbas while cooking, as they can easily catch fire. He advised individuals to tie back sleeves and wear aprons for extra protection.
He stressed the importance of monitoring oil temperatures to prevent overheating and reminded the public never to use water to put out an oil fire. Instead, he recommended using a fire blanket or a damp cloth.
“It’s essential to never leave cooking unattended. If it’s necessary to step away, always ensure that the stove is turned off. Also, keep cooking areas clear of flammable items such as dishcloths, packaging, or paper towels,” Jaji said.
The CG urged Nigerians to test their smoke alarms regularly to make sure they are working properly. For those without smoke alarms, he encouraged them to request a home fire safety check.
Apart from fire safety, Jaji also warned of the increased risk of road accidents during Ramadan. He noted that changes in daily schedules and tiredness could affect driving, especially in the hours leading up to iftar.
As part of the safety campaign, Jaji said the FFS will collaborate with community, market, and religious leaders to spread awareness and ensure the safety messages reach as many people as possible.
