Sokoto — A total of 319 fire incidents occurred last year within Sokoto metropolis and its environs, leaving nine deaths in its wake.

Sokoto State Director of Fire Service, Alhaji Harande Chede, who disclosed this to newsmen in Sokoto, yesterday, said several properties worth millions of naira were destroyed in the incidents.

He said some of the fire outbreaks occured in Dange/Shuni, Kware, Bodinga and Wamakko local goverment areas.

He said some were saved by the fire service, who also engaged in three rescue operations during the year under review, to save people who fell into open wells and pit latrines, as well as those trapped by collapsed buildings or road accidents.

He noted the frequency of fire outbreaks, especially during harmattan periods and urged residents to be more cautious during the period by handling all inflammable items and electrical appliances with care.

He, however, expressed dismay at the attitude of some people who make fake distress calls to the department and called on residents to desist from such acts, as it negatively impact on resources of the Fire Service.

"On receiving any fire report, we have to swiftly mobilise our men and resources and sacrifice time. Recently, we received a call that there was a fire incident at Ali Akilu, but on reaching there, we were shocked that it was a false alarm," Chede said.