With the harmattan season now fully underway, safety experts have warned of an increased risk of fire outbreaks, calling on residents to remain vigilant and proactive in their homes, workplaces, and communities.

Dry weather conditions and strong winds associated with harmattan often make fires spread rapidly and become difficult to control, especially when safety precautions are ignored.

Members of the public have been advised to exercise extra caution when handling fire-related activities such as cooking, heating, and burning, as minor negligence can easily escalate into major incidents.

Authorities have also cautioned against indiscriminate bush burning, stressing that where burning is unavoidable, it must be carried out in a controlled and safe manner to prevent the spread of fire to nearby properties and farmlands.

Residents are further encouraged to switch off all electrical appliances before leaving their homes for work or travel, as unattended electrical devices remain a leading cause of domestic fires during the dry season.

The safe handling of gas cylinders has also been emphasized, with households advised to keep cylinders outside the kitchen, ensure they are out of children’s reach, and regularly check for possible gas leaks.

In addition, the public has been warned against the misuse of mosquito coils, candles, matches, and other items that could easily serve as sources of ignition within homes.

Environmental hygiene remains another concern during the harmattan period, as improper waste disposal in gutters and culverts can encourage mosquito breeding and increase the spread of malaria.

Food safety has also been highlighted, with residents advised to keep food properly covered to prevent contamination by dust, which could lead to outbreaks of cholera and other communicable diseases.

Similarly, workers and business owners have been urged to ensure that all electrical gadgets in offices, shops, and workplaces are switched off after business hours, while maintaining good housekeeping practices and avoiding the use of mobile phones in kitchens to reduce fire risks.