The Federal Fire Service, Kaduna command, has blamed negligence and poor electrification for the fire incident at the Panteka wood market.

Usman Sadiq, deputy state controller of fire, said this in a statement on Friday.

Mr Sadiq explained that the fire incident, which started late on Wednesday at 11:00 p.m., affected no fewer than 250 stalls.

He said the command officers immediately rushed to the scene on receiving the distress call around 11:30 p.m., while the fire was under control at about 5:00 a.m. Thursday.

He stated, “It has been confirmed that the fire was caused by negligence from poor electrification system within the affected areas of the market.

“However, we wish to inform the general public that collaboration by the state command, NEMA, SEMA and state fire service has been put in place to carry out an investigation regarding the actual cause of the fire incident.

“This is with a view to proffering lasting solutions to occurrences of fire incidents in our marketplaces.’’

He noted that it was sad so many people lost their source of livelihood, adding that service felt their pains.

”At this tragic time, we wish to pledge our commitment towards providing better, effective and efficient service delivery to forestall future occurrences by providing the required services enshrined in our mandate.

“We call on all residents to have the command’s emergency numbers stationed across the state.

“This is taking into cognisance the nearest station to their individual areas of residence and businesses to ensure prompt response in case of any unforeseen emergency,’’ he said.

Mr Sadiq tasked residents with the importance of every preventive measure against fire and other related emergencies by ensuring adequate provision of functional fire extinguishers.

(NAN)