The Anambra Fire Service on Monday urged Gov. Willie Obiano to provide insurance cover and hazardallowances for its officers and men to ensure their safety while fighting fire outbreaks.
Mr Ikechukwu Nzegwu, the Chief Operating Officer,Okpoko Fire Service Station, made the appeal while speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha, Anambra on Monday.
“It is the trend in most states to have insurance package in place for the fire fighters who put their lives and safety at risk while putting in their best to salvage lives and property,’’ Nzegwu noted.
He said that the payment of hazard allowances would act as incentive and make the job of fire-fighting attractive to young and energetic people needed for the job.
He also appealed to government to provide them with bigger fire-fighting vehicles and other equipment that will spur them to do better.
“With bigger and better equipment, we can withstand any fire incident and put it under control in due time.
“Another problem we have in putting out fire is the size of fire-fighting vehicle, which has the capacity of only 1,000 gallons of water.
“If we have a fire-fighting vehicle or supportive water tank that has about 3,000 or 7,000 gallons of water; it will give us enough water to fight any dimension of fire,’’ he said.
NAN reports that some fire-fighting vehicles are already grounded like the ones at the Main Market, Onitsha.
However, those working in the state needed turn-around servicing for optimal performance since we are in the harmattan and dry season when fire outbreak is common. (NAN)
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