Towards A Sustainable Fire-free Environment in Kebbi State: Causes and People’s Behaviour in Fire Disasters

Abstract

Fire disaster is accident that occur most frequently with different causes. It requires strong intervention for a sustainable fire-free environment. This study assessed causes and people’s behaviour in fire disasters towards a sustainable fire-free environment in Kebbi State, Nigeria. The study focused at identifying remote causes of fire disasters in Kebbi State, the people’s behaviour in/to fire situations using the state capital (Birnin Kebbi) as well as equipment available in the state fire service head-office towards a fire-free environment. Descriptive research approach was used. A sample size of 204 respondents (30 market traders, 144 occupants and 30 fire service personnel) obtained through Cochran 1963 sample size formula were randomly selected. Questionnaire and observation were used to collect data which were analyzed through descriptive statistics (frequency tables and percentages) and results were presented in charts. Results revealed that electrical fault/wiring, political reasons, negligence among others are the causes of fire disaster in the area with electrical fault/wiring as the remote cause. The behaviour of people towards building a sustainable fire-free environment shows people of the area do help one another in extinguishing fire whenever it strikes. Results also shows that lack of manpower and standard fire stations were the prominent challenges faced by the state fire service head-office in the state capital prompting incessant burning and resulting lives and property loss. Occupants of the area should always read and comply with safety guides of electrical appliances bought before use to avoid and prevent them from substandard gadgets that have ability of endangering their lives.