The Federal Fire Service (FFS) says two lives were lost and property worth N1.59 billion was destroyed by fire outbreaks in Bauchi State between January and December 2025.
The Public Relations Officer of the service in charge of the Bauchi State Command, Mr Umar Lawal, disclosed this in fire outbreak statistics made available to reporters on Monday in Abuja.
Lawal said the command responded to 167 fire incidents within the period under review, saving four lives and property valued at N2.86 billion.
According to him, the incidents affected public and government buildings, private dwellings, educational institutions, markets, petrol and gas stations, as well as automobiles.
Providing a breakdown, Lawal said properties worth N23 million were lost, while property valued at N855.1 million was saved in 10 fire incidents involving public and government buildings.
He added that properties worth N605 million were destroyed, while N1.4 billion worth of assets were saved in 80 fire incidents that affected private dwellings.
Lawal further stated that fires in educational institutions led to the loss of property valued at N120 million, while N200 million worth of property was saved.
“In five market fire incidents, properties worth N45 million were lost, while N90 million worth of property was saved.
“Similarly, N23.7 million worth of property was destroyed and N53 million saved in 15 fire incidents involving petrol and gas stations.
“Also, property valued at N70 million was lost, while N33 million worth of assets was saved in 15 fire outbreaks involving automobiles,” he said.
The spokesman attributed most of the fire incidents in the state to electrical equipment malfunction, power surges, illegal storage of petroleum products, accidents and refuse dump fires.
He advised residents to ensure electrical appliances are properly switched off when not in use to prevent fire outbreaks.
Lawal also warned against overloading electrical circuits, noting that such practices significantly increase the risk of fire.
“Fire safety is essential in every aspect of human activity. If we can prevent fire outbreaks, we can save lives, property and the environment.
“Every circuit has a specific load capacity, and exceeding it amounts to negligence,” he added.
