Alhaji AbdulWaheed Yakub, Head of Fire Prevention, Kwara Fire Service, on Monday said that 155 fire incidents were recorded in the state in 2015.

Yakub told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in llorin that the number was higher than what was recorded the previous year. He said that the fire incidents occurred in filling stations, residential areas, markets and public places.

According to him, 34 fire incidents occurred in January, 12 cases were recorded in February, 22 incidents in March while 17 outbreaks were recorded in April. He said that 17 cases were recorded in May, eight in June, six cases in July, eight cases in August while September had the lowest figure of four.

Yakub said October and November recorded nine cases each while December had 18 cases. He said the state fire service could not ascertain what triggered off the fire incidents but attributed remote causes to negligence.

The fire officer said the state government had provided modern equipment and manpower that could put out fires that might occur in any part of the state.

He said the state fire service was embarking on sensitisation programmes with production of handbills in various languages as part of the efforts to prevent fire outbreaks.

"Residents should not allow children to play with matches. If there is a bush near your residence, clear it some metres away to prevent bush burning," he said. He also advised residents to desist from keeping petrol in the house.