…Calls for Constant Sensitization and Stakeholders’ Support to Curb Fire Outbreaks
The National Association of Seadogs (NAS) aka Pyrates Confraternity, Enugu Chapter, in collaboration with the Enugu State Fire Service, on Thursday, September 11, 2025, organized a fire safety awareness campaign tagged “Zero Fire Outbreak” at the Maryland Timber Shed Market, Enugu.
Declaring the event open, the President of Maryland Timber Shed Association, Chief Ugochukwu Nwatu, expressed delight at the initiative, noting that fire outbreaks had become a recurring challenge in the market. He emphasized that continuous sensitization and enlightenment would equip traders with the knowledge to prevent future disasters.
The Chief Fire Officer of Enugu State, Engr. Okwudili D. Oha, disclosed that the agency had on several occasions been called to salvage goods and property at the market following fire incidents. He explained that the program was designed to sensitize traders and the public on fire prevention, as well as practical measures for managing fire emergencies. According to him, the NAS Enugu Chapter, moved by the suffering of fire victims, took the initiative to sponsor the campaign.
Representing the NAS Enugu Chapter President, Mr. Oseloka Egbuchiem, his Vice, Dr. Okechukwu Ogbodo, appreciated the Chief Fire Officer and his team for partnering with the association. He stressed that NAS is a humanitarian organization committed to building a better society and reiterated the popular saying that “prevention is better than cure.” He urged traders to take seriously the safety measures taught by the Fire Service officers.
During the sensitization session, Fire Service personnel Engr. Chika Ogbu educated participants on the three major elements that ignite fire and simple safety practices to avert disaster. He was followed by Engr. Peter Anike, who demonstrated different firefighting techniques, including the use of fire extinguishers of various capacities. The session also featured practical demonstrations on the proper handling of fire extinguishers, coordinated by Engr. Obinna Adibe.
The interactive session allowed traders to ask questions, which were adequately addressed by the Chief Fire Officer.
In his vote of thanks, the Vice President of Maryland Timber Shed Association, Chief Emmanuel Eze, commended the Enugu State Fire Service and NAS Enugu Chapter for their proactive and humanitarian effort to safeguard traders’ lives and property. He assured that the market leadership would intensify efforts to prevent fire incidents, especially as the dry season approaches.
The event attracted over 200 participants and featured the distribution of emergency contacts, training on emergency response steps while awaiting Fire Service personnel, education on servicing fire extinguishers, and an agreement to sustain communication between market leaders, the Fire Service, and NAS for continuous fire prevention efforts.
The organizers called on all stakeholders to support ongoing initiatives to curb fire disasters and promote a safer and more egalitarian society.