The Federal Fire Service (FFS), Gombe State Command, has commenced the 2026 National Fire Safety Awareness Week with a call for residents to embrace collective responsibility in preventing fire outbreaks.
The awareness campaign, which began on Monday at the Multi-Purpose Hall of the Gombe State College of Nursing and Midwifery, featured a technical lecture and a multi-stakeholder panel discussion.
The programme was organised under the theme, “Building a Resilient Nigeria: One Community at a Time.”
Speaking at the event, the State Controller of the Federal Fire Service, Gombe Command, DCF Suleiman Mohammed Suleiman, stressed the need for proactive measures, public education and community participation to reduce fire incidents.
Suleiman said building a fire-resilient society required the collective efforts of individuals, institutions, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders.
He said, “Building a fire-resilient society requires the collective efforts of individuals, institutions, government agencies and other relevant stakeholders.”
The technical session exposed participants to practical approaches to fire prevention, identification of potential hazards and appropriate responses during emergencies.
It also highlighted the need for households, workplaces and public facilities to adopt safety measures to minimise the risk of fire outbreaks.
The session was followed by a panel discussion involving representatives of security agencies, the academia, the Gombe State Fire Service, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), and traditional and religious institutions.
The discussions focused on improving emergency preparedness, strengthening public awareness and encouraging community participation in fire prevention.
The command said the awareness campaign would continue throughout the week with sensitisation visits to markets, schools and the Dankwambo Mega Motor Park.
It added that the activities would culminate in a mega rally and roadshow across Gombe metropolis.
The Federal Fire Service urged residents to identify potential fire hazards, handle electrical and cooking appliances safely and ensure that appropriate fire safety measures were installed in their homes and workplaces.