The Enugu State Fire Service has raised an alarm over the spate of unauthorised and indiscriminate location of Liquefied Petroleum Gas popularly called cooking gas plants in the state.

The state Chief Fire Officer, Okwudiri Ohaa, raised the alarm while declaring open the state-wide fire safety workshop held at the Nsukka and Igbo-Etiti local government areas of the state on Monday.

Ohaa, who stated that small LPG refill outlets had geometrically increased in the state, said the associated risks were grievous because of the high combustible nature of the substance.

He said “These small LPG refill outlets have geometrically increased the fire risk situation in our society today.

“It is the mandate of the fire service to fight fire, prevent fire and perform rescue functions during emergencies, and as such, it has the regulatory function to inspect, recommend appropriate fire safety measures and issue fire permit/fire safety reports where these LPG outlets and plants should be located.”

He warned against building unauthorised LPG plants and said the service had commenced enforcement to close and prosecute those behind all illegal LPG retail outlets and plants across the state.

Ohaa added, “The enforcement team is working with relevant stakeholders, including the LPG Retail Association and the Nigeria Police to ensure that Enugu State continues to be safe.

“A total compliance with fire safety is therefore demanded from all LPG operators, domestic users and users of other flammable and non-flammable materials to avoid fire outbreak in Enugu State”.

Speaking on the workshop, Ohaa said it was a continuation of the fire safety awareness campaign across the 17 local government areas of the state aimed at safeguarding lives and property.