Training, The Key For Modern Day Fire Department – Commissioner

The dynamics of technology in fire prevention, protection and mitigation requires that firemen and societies should undergo regular training to keep them abreast of it.

The Commissioner, Ministry of Home Affairs, state of Osun, Dr. Adebisi Obawale stated this in his keynote address at a day workshop on fire prevention awareness held at the Distinguished Hall, Aje International Market, Iwo road, Osogbo.

Dr. Adebisi added that, simultaneous training on fire prevention would help reduce panic as everyone will know what to do.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Home Affairs, Dr. Akinyinka Esho in his welcome address urged participants to be fire conscious and prevent fire outbreaks at all times.

He stated further that, safety of life and property is upper most in the mind of the present administration hence the training was organised to keep officers on their toes.

The Consultant, Mr. James Okebiorun who is a retired Federal Fire officer in his lecture explained the three main causes of fire, which are carelessness, ignorance and arson.

He reiterated that, people’s behaviour in most cases also contribute to the spread of fire through unsafe conditions and hazardous processes.

He then urged participants at the training to avoid overloading of electrical points. He also emphasized on the need to disengage all electrical plugs from sockets when not in use and urged the audience to allow competent electrician to operate on all gadgets.

According to him children should not be allowed in the kitchen as well as storing fuel at home and in offices.

A Fire Superintendent Officer, state of Osun, Mr. Ibrahim Adekunle while speaking on how to prevent fire, explained that, there are many types of fire extinguishers and ranges in sizes. These are Water (CO2), Water in Air Charge, Dry Chemical Powder, Wet Chemical Powder, Carbon Dioxide (CO2), FM 200, Foam Extinguisher, Auto Fire Off Powder (AFO), after which a practical exercise was demonstrated by the officers.

A participant from Iwo Local Government expressed his gratitude to the state government for making the training a reality and appreciated the Commissioner for Home Affairs for his hardwork especially on fire matters.

The training was graced by the Governor of the State represented by the Commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi, Management and Staff, Office of Culture and Tourism led by the Coordinating Director, Engr. Wale Ajayi.