Twelve persons died and 26 others were wounded in 325 fire incidents that occurred in Kaduna State last year.
The state director of Fire Service, Paul Aboi, disclosed this on Monday in Kaduna, adding that the incidents happened mostly in Kafanchan, Zaria and Kaduna metropolitan areas.
Aboi said the service rescued 17 persons from the outbreaks.
“The Service saved property worth about N6.5 billion from destruction while property worth N3.5 billion was destroyed within the period under review,’’ he said.
The director listed the causes of the fires to include bush burning, carelessness and improper use of electrical appliances.
Aboi revealed that the service was making efforts to reduce fire outbreaks by unveiling a comprehensive initiative on fire prevention, inspection and embarking on the renewal of fire safety certificates across business premises in the state.
“Although we cannot totally eradicate fire outbreaks, we are trying to minimise them, and also the negative effects on people and the economy.
He encouraged the public to take necessary precautions and reach out to the fire service in case of any outbreak