Summary: Causes of Fire Disasters

The rate at which fire disasters are wreaking havoc is so alarming that it calls for the concern of the government and all well-meaning citizens of this country.

In many of these disasters, many precious lives have been wasted. These were hardworking, industrious and resourceful people who would have contributed meaningfully to the economic development of the country. Unfortunately, their lives are terminated by fire disasters. Some who are fortunate to survive fire disasters suffer permanent disability, having experienced severe burns. They therefore become liabilities to their families and societyThe term society is derived from the Latin word 'socius' meaning friendship or companionship. Society is a community, nation or group of people who share the same traditions, institutions, rules and... More. This is quite unfortunate.

          Quite apart from the loss of lives, properties worth millions, even billions of naira are often wasted in fire disasters. Magnificient buildings that show pieces of fanciful architectural designs are often razed to the ground in these disasters. In addition, assorted goods and various kinds and types of merchandise are often lost to infernos. Many people have lost all they depend on, all they have on earth, indeed their hopes, to fire. And so they become living corpses.

          What are the factors responsible for these fire disasters one may ask?

          Fire disasters do not just occur. They are caused by man – his negligence, his actions and inactions. Some fire disasters are caused by the carelessness of people who use electrical gadgets such as boiling rings, irons, hot plates, etc, but fail to switch them off after using them. Having left these gadgets on for a long time they therefore spark off fire. This single cause has been responsible for many fire disasters that have occurred.

          Also, many fire disasters have been traceable to electrical faults such as power surges. This is often the fault of the electricity authorities. As a result of the abnormal power surge, electrical wires, appliances, and gadgets often catch fire. Abnormal power surges have therefore often resulted in infernos which have caused incalculable damage to lives and properties.

          Sabotage is another factor that has been responsible for many fire disasters. Some officials are very corrupt, selfish, wicked and callous. These officials perpetrate many atrocities such as fraud, embezzlement, etc, and when they discover that the game is up, they decide to destroy the records of their sharp practices by setting ablaze gigantic edifices. It may also be that they have committed some heinous crimes like murder or assassination and in an attempt to be free from any case against them they may organise and set on fire all court records and available evidence and so cover up their dastardly acts.

          The activities of people who are in search of wild game have also contributed in no small measure to fire disasters. This set of people, for selfish reasons, set bushes on fire and begin to hunt for game. Such fires often go out of control and by the time they know it they (the fires) would have destroyed farmlands, livestock, petrol stations, and commercial and residential buildings.

          Aren’t these fires avoidable? When man decides to be careful and cautious, when people decide to be honest, upright and contented, when man decides not to hunt game at the expense of the lives and properties of others, then fire disasters will cease.