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By Aliyu Bala Gerengi, Gombe
The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has raised the alarm over potential fire outbreaks during the approaching Harmattan season, warning hunters, farmers and other residents against indiscriminate bush burning and activities that could trigger devastating fires.
The Mechanism has urged residents across Kaduna State to adopt preventive measures to safeguard lives, property, farmlands and the environment as the dry season sets in.
KADCCAM warned that the Harmattan season, characterised by dry vegetation, low humidity, dusty winds and increased dryness, creates favourable conditions for fire outbreaks, allowing flames to spread rapidly across residential areas, markets, forests, farmlands and surrounding bushes.
In a statement, the Co-Director of KADCCAM, Ibrahima Yakubu, called on hunters to desist from setting bushes on fire in the course of their activities, stressing that uncontrolled bush burning could destroy vegetation, threaten wildlife, damage farmlands and endanger nearby communities.
He also cautioned farmers, traders, households and business owners to exercise extreme care when handling fire, cooking equipment, electrical appliances and other potential sources of ignition.
Yakubu advised residents to avoid indiscriminate bush burning, careless disposal of cigarette butts, open-air refuse burning and the storage of combustible materials close to heat sources.
He further urged households, markets and public institutions to inspect electrical connections, switch off unused appliances, provide fire extinguishers or basic firefighting equipment where possible, and keep emergency exits and access roads free from obstructions.
Beyond the threat of fire outbreaks, KADCCAM expressed concern over environmentally harmful practices that could worsen the impact of Harmattan, including indiscriminate waste disposal, deforestation, destruction of vegetation and open-air waste burning.
The Mechanism also appealed to farmers and herders to embrace environmentally responsible land management practices, protect trees and vegetation, and avoid uncontrolled burning of bushes.
It noted that preserving trees and natural vegetation remains essential to maintaining ecological balance, preventing land degradation and strengthening communities’ resilience to climate-related challenges.
On public health, residents were advised to minimise exposure to dust, maintain proper hygiene, protect water sources and take necessary precautions to safeguard vulnerable groups, particularly children, older persons and individuals with respiratory sensitivities.
KADCCAM stressed that preventing environmental disasters should not be left to government agencies alone, calling for collective responsibility involving traditional and religious leaders, community associations, civil society organisations, farmers, hunters and individual residents.
It further urged members of the public to promptly report fire outbreaks and other environmental emergencies to relevant emergency response authorities rather than attempting to confront dangerous situations without adequate training or equipment.
The Mechanism reiterated that environmental protection must become a shared daily responsibility, emphasising that preventing bush fires, protecting trees, reducing pollution and keeping communities clean are critical to building a safer, healthier and more climate-resilient Kaduna State.
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