Enugu State Fire Service Records 480 Incidents in 2023, Protects Properties Valued at N115 Billion”

The Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service recorded 480 incidents and saved properties worth N115,250,540,000 in 2023.

The Director, Enugu State Fire and Rescue Service, Engr. Okwudiri Ohaa, shared this information on Sunday while presenting the performance report for 2023, highlighting that 12 lives were also saved during the period.

Ohaa provided a breakdown of the incidents, stating that the service attended to 121 incidents in January, 80 in February, 23 in March, 34 in April, 29 in May, and 23 in June. The numbers further include 20 fire incidents in July, 20 in August, 18 in September, 23 in October, 16 in November, and 61 in December.

Categorically, the service addressed 279 building fire incidents, 48 bushfires, 28 vehicle fires, eight fuel station fire incidents, 17 market fire incidents, and four gas fire incidents. Other incidents included 12 direct human victims rescue incidents, two dumpster fire incidents, eight stand-by fire incidents, seven extinguished fire on arrival after calls, 13 false calls, and 32 other forms of incidents uncategorized.

Ohaa expressed satisfaction with the service’s successful delivery in 2023 to the people of Enugu State. However, he mentioned the unfortunate loss of Chigozie Ugwu, a senior fire officer, in the line of duty in 2023.

“Chigozie Ugwu, an exceptional and dedicated officer, died while fighting a fire outbreak at the motor spare parts market, Coal Camp, Enugu, on December 13,” he said.

The director explained that the incidents in December, January, and February had remained high due to specific weather and atmospheric conditions, contributing to the heightened activity during that period.