The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) is poised to launch a Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway, aimed at reducing the frequency and impact of fire outbreaks, particularly as the harmattan season approaches. The system is designed to enhance fire prevention measures and facilitate a more efficient emergency response across the territory.
The FCT has seen a concerning rise in fire incidents, especially in open markets during the dry season, leading to widespread destruction of property and severely affecting the livelihoods of many residents. The situation has become increasingly dire as the region prepares for the peak of the harmattan season, a period notorious for its dry and windy conditions that heighten the risk of fires.
In November 2023, the territory witnessed two alarming fire incidents on consecutive days. On November 6, a fire broke out at the High Commission of Canada to Nigeria, tragically claiming the lives of two individuals and leaving three others injured. The following day, on November 7, another fire engulfed the Samsung Office in Wuse 2. Although no fatalities were reported in this incident, it resulted in the destruction of goods worth millions of naira.
According to a statement released on Sunday by George Tiga, Chief Operating Officer of PrimeAlert Secure Ltd, the company responsible for the project, the Fire Emergency Monitoring Gateway will be a vital tool for enhancing fire safety in the FCT. It will link various buildings across the territory to a centralized emergency dashboard, allowing for real-time detection of smoke and ensuring a swift and coordinated response to any fire outbreaks. This innovative system is expected to significantly improve the ability of emergency services to mitigate fire risks and protect lives and property.
