Firefighters in Ondo State have renewed calls for public cooperation and safety awareness as the world marks International Firefighters Day, with authorities raising concern over obstruction and occasional attacks on personnel during emergency operations.
They made this call In Akure, during a celebration walk joined by other security agencies and members of the National Youths Service Corp.
Observed every May 4, the day honors fallen heroes in the firefighting profession and celebrates those still in active service, while also remembering victims of the September 11 attacks.
Focusing on challenges faced in the line of duty, officials of the Federal Fire Service, Ondo State Command, warned that interference from the public continues to hinder effective emergency response.
Assistant Comptroller of Fire, Oyedepo Moses, stressed the importance of public understanding and cooperation during fire incidents.
“We need the public to understand that we are not responsible for the outbreak of fire. Rather, we are there to protect lives and property.
They should assist us by providing an enabling environment for our men to operate effectively at fire scenes, this allow firefighters to properly position their vehicles, assess risks, and carry out their duties effectively.” he said.
He added that prompt reporting of fire incidents and cooperation from road users remain critical to saving lives.
“The public must give us quick notice of any fire outbreak and ensure that our vehicles are given the right of way, not being attacked as we have this risky experience, so we can respond within the shortest possible time,” he stated.
Also speaking, Superintendent Okunleke Oluwatosin of the Public Relations Unit highlighted ongoing sensitisation efforts, noting that awareness remains key to reducing fire incidents.
“We have continued to sensitise the public through our social media platforms, including Facebook and Twitter, and we advise every household to be safety conscious. Safety is cheaper than cure,” she said.
He further urged residents to equip their homes with basic firefighting tools.
“Every household should have portable fire extinguishers and know how to use them so they can act quickly before the arrival of firefighters,” He added.
On operational realities, Superintendent of Fire Ajayi Joshua, Head of Operations, expressed concern over recurring challenges faced by firefighters, particularly hostility at emergency scenes.
“One of the major challenges we face is the failure of motorists to give way to emergency vehicles and, in some cases, attacks on our personnel. This is uncalled for because whatever we are doing is for the safety of the community,” he said.
He emphasised that firefighters remain committed to their duty despite the risks involved.
“We are on duty 24 hours, and once we receive a call, our men turn out within minutes to combat fire incidents and protect lives and property,” he noted.
The command reiterated that public cooperation is essential to effective firefighting, urging residents to support emergency responders rather than obstruct them.