No fewer than 213 Liquefied Petroleum Gas dealers in Ebonyi were trained on fire safety measures by officials of the state Fire Service.
Speaking during the exercise at the headquarters in Abakaliki on Monday, the Chief Fire Officer, Mr Raphael Ibiam said the dealers were trained on gas leaks and emergency response.
Ibiam said that the essence of the annual event was for the safety of the state against fire outbreak.
The chief fire officer stressed that the sensitisation had yielded impressive result among the participants.
“Before one can open the business, we usually certify the place and that is why they do call for enlightenment and on this note, they have not encountered any gas retailers’ incident as in some other states” he said.
He charged the people to utilise the teaching as measures for gas leaks and emergency response to liquefied petroleum gas, immediate evacuation and opening of doors and windows for ventilation.
Ibiam further disclosed that his office had received 92 distress calls on fire incidents in 2025 and 37 similar calls between January and April, 2026.
He however, appealed for precautionary measures among the residents of the state.
Mr Okey Chukwuma, the Zonal Commander, State Fire Service and facilitator, disclosed some of the approaches to be utilised once gas leakage is noticed to include, moving people out of the area.and ensuring ventilation.
Chukwuma said others include, turning off of the gas supply, extinguishing all flames and calling for emergency service.
He further advised them to avoid either switching on and off electrical devices as bulbs, fans and flashlights and using of phones indoors and naked flame as a tiny spark could cause explosion.
“Do not use matches or lighter to look for a leak; do not go back into the same building until emergency service is served; do not store flammable materials as gasoline or cleaning products close to gas appliances,” he advised.
The officer also urged the traders to always use soapy water while checking for bubbles on their valves and desist from blowing out fire in the case of ignited leak as such could lead to accumulation of unburned gas and potential explosion.
The Leader of the participants, Mr Jude Chukwuemeka applauded the fire fighters and charged his members to step down the teaching to their employees at their various outlets for safety.
