Harmattan: KADCCAM urges residents to prevent fire outbreaks, protect environment

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has called on residents across the state to take proactive measures to prevent fire outbreaks and protect the environment from dry season hazards as the Harmattan season approaches.

In a statement signed by Co-Director Ibrahima Yakubu, the organization warned that the combination of dry vegetation, low humidity, dusty winds, and heightened dryness creates ideal conditions for fires to spread rapidly.

Yakubu noted that the threat is particularly high across residential areas, markets, farmlands, forests, and local bushlands.

To mitigate these risks, KADCCAM advised residents, farmers, traders, and business owners to exercise extreme caution with cooking equipment, electrical connections, and open flames. Specific recommendations include: Avoiding indiscriminate bush burning and open-air waste disposal, safely disposing of cigarette butts and keeping flammable materials away from heat sources, turning off unused electrical appliances and inspecting home wiring, keeping basic firefighting equipment or extinguishers on hand where feasible, and maintaining clear access roads and emergency exits.

Yakubu issued a targeted warning to hunters and farmers against using fire for land clearing or hunting, pointing out that uncontrolled bush burning frequently destroys farmlands, forest reserves, and local livelihoods.

Beyond fire safety, the Mechanism cautioned against environmental practices that worsen Harmattan conditions, such as deforestation and open waste burning.

Farmers and herders were urged to adopt sustainable land-management practices that protect vegetation, maintain ecological balance, and combat land degradation.

Addressing public health concerns associated with the season, KADCCAM encouraged residents to minimize dust exposure, safeguard clean water sources, and protect vulnerable groups, including children, older persons, and individuals with respiratory conditions.

Stressing that disaster prevention requires a collective effort involving government bodies, traditional leaders, civil society, and citizens, Yakubu instructed residents to immediately report outbreaks to professional emergency responders rather than confronting dangerous fires without proper equipment.

“Preventing fire outbreaks, protecting our trees, reducing pollution, and keeping our communities clean are essential steps toward building a safer, healthier, and more climate-resilient Kaduna State,” Yakubu said.