Be ware of fire outbreaks, protect your environment during harmattan

The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism, KADCCAM, has called on residents of Kaduna State to take proactive measures to prevent fire outbreaks and protect the environment against hazards associated with the dry season as the harmattan season approaches.

The approaching Harmattan period, characterised by dry vegetation, falling humidity, dusty winds and increased dryness, can create conditions that allow fires to spread rapidly, particularly in residential communities, markets, farmlands, forests, bushes and other vulnerable environments.

A statement issued by the Director of the Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism, Ibrahima Yakubu, urged residents, farmers, traders, households and business owners to exercise greater caution when handling fire, cooking equipment, electrical appliances and other potential sources of ignition.

He advised residents to avoid indiscriminate bush burning, the careless disposal of cigarette butts, burning of refuse in open spaces and the storage of highly flammable materials close to heat sources.

He also encouraged households and institutions to inspect electrical connections, switch off unused appliances, keep fire extinguishers or basic firefighting equipment where possible, and ensure that access roads and emergency exits remain clear.

Beyond fire prevention, KADCCAM warned against other environmental practices that could worsen the impact of the Harmattan season, including indiscriminate waste disposal, open-air waste burning, deforestation, destruction of vegetation and activities that contribute to air pollution.

The Mechanism further called on farmers and herders to adopt environmentally responsible land management practices, avoid uncontrolled bush burning and protect trees and vegetation, which play important roles in maintaining ecological balance and reducing land degradation.

“Residents are encouraged to take precautions against Harmattan-related environmental and public health challenges by reducing exposure to dust, keeping water sources clean, maintaining proper hygiene and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, older persons and people with respiratory sensitivities,” the statement explained.

KADCCAM emphasised that preventing environmental disasters is a shared responsibility that requires collective action from government institutions, traditional and religious leaders, community associations, civil society organisations and individual residents.

The Mechanism therefore urged residents to promptly report fire incidents and other environmental emergencies to the relevant emergency response authorities rather than attempting to tackle dangerous situations without adequate training or equipment.

KADCCAM called on every resident to make environmental responsibility a daily commitment by preventing fire outbreaks, protecting their trees, reducing pollution and keeping their communities clean, which are essential steps towards building a safer, healthier and more climate-resilient Kaduna State.