CGF’s no-leave directive proves critical as Federal Fire Service battles fires nationwide

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) began 2026 on full operational alert, responding to multiple fire outbreaks across the country within the first hours of the New Year—a development authorities say underscores the importance of preparedness during high-risk periods.

The swift nationwide response followed a December directive by the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service, Olumode Samuel Adeyemi, FCNA, ACTI, which placed all personnel on active duty and barred firefighters from proceeding on leave throughout the festive season.

That decision proved crucial in the first recorded fire incident of 2026 in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

At about 12:23 a.m. on January 1, firefighters were deployed to a fire outbreak at Cake Hot Restaurant, located within River Plate Park, Wuse, Abuja. Fire crews arrived promptly and, working jointly with the FCT Fire Service, successfully contained the blaze, preventing what officials said could have escalated into a major disaster in the busy recreational area.

Although a section of the garden was affected, no lives were lost and no injuries were recorded. Property valued at an estimated ₦1.5 billion was saved, while losses were put at about ₦500 million. Preliminary findings linked the incident to objects thrown during New Year celebrations, reinforcing longstanding warnings against the use of fireworks.

The Abuja fire echoed earlier safety advisories issued by Controller General Adeyemi, who had urged Nigerians to avoid fireworks, candles, and all forms of open flames indoors—particularly during the harmattan season, when dry conditions allow fires to spread rapidly. He also warned about the risks of electrical faults and power surges, advising residents to switch off and unplug electrical appliances when not in use, avoid overloading sockets, and exercise caution with extension boxes.

Beyond the FCT, firefighters were simultaneously responding to incidents in Lagos, Imo, Gombe, Kwara, and other parts of the country, highlighting the need for full manpower and readiness during peak-risk periods.

However, the New Year also brought a tragic reminder of the consequences of preventable fires. In Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, firefighters responded to a residential fire involving a wooden structure. While property valued at about ₦10 million was saved, losses were estimated at ₦20 million. Tragically, the incident claimed the life of an 11-year-old child. Preliminary findings indicated the fire was caused by a candle left unattended.

Describing the Yenagoa incident as deeply painful and avoidable, the Federal Fire Service stressed that many fire outbreaks stem from everyday actions that can be prevented through simple caution.

Controller General Adeyemi expressed sympathy to the owner of the affected restaurant in Abuja and offered heartfelt condolences to the family of the child lost in Yenagoa. He again urged Nigerians to treat harmattan-season fire safety warnings with utmost seriousness.

“As we have seen from Abuja to Yenagoa, fire can break out in seconds,” the Controller General warned. “But with vigilance and adherence to basic safety measures, many of these incidents are preventable. Lives and livelihoods must always come before celebrations.”

From midnight into the early hours of the New Year, the rapid nationwide response by firefighters, authorities say, reflects a service on guard—prepared, committed, and resolute—while renewing the call for all Nigerians to recognize that fire safety is a shared responsibility.