The Kwara State Fire Service has warned citizens to immediately stop the dangerous and destructive practice of bush burning.
According to Hassan Adekunle, the spokesman of the service: “The reckless act has led to several fire outbreaks across the state, causing damage to property and posing serious threats to lives and the environment.
“We urge all monarchs, village heads, and community leaders to take responsibility by educating their people on the dangers of bush burning and its devastating consequences. Preventing these incidents is a collective duty that begins with awareness and action.”
A breakdown of fire outbreaks caused by bush burning recently in the state showed that there was a fire disaster on December 17, 2024, at Balogun Oke-Odo, Tanke area of Ilorin, at about 2:44 pm.
Details of the incident indicated that an abandoned hostel comprising six self-contained rooms and three single-room apartments was completely destroyed by an unidentified individual who ignited an undergrowth fire.
In a similar incident, a fire behind the Kwara Hotel, Ilorin, on December 17, 2024, at about 7:20 pm was also caused by an undergrowth fire but was quickly contained.
Other places where undergrowth fires were ignited include Landmark University, Omu-Aran, on December 17, 2024; Ganiki, Zango-Kulende area of Ilorin on Sunday; and Igosun town, Oyun Local Government Area of the state, to mention a few.
The spokesman said the state fire service is determined to protect lives and property.
“But we cannot do it alone. We need the cooperation of all Kwarans to stop bush burning immediately,” he said.