The Akwa Ibom State Fire Service has appealed to citizens and residents operating businesses that handle flammable materials to adhere strictly to safety standards in order to prevent fire outbreaks in the state.

This follows a fire that broke at a gas outlet in Ikot Ntuen Nsit, off Abak Road yesterday, injuring an Attendant as well as destroyed properties worth millions of naira around the area.

Eyewitnesses who spoke with INSPIRATION FM said the fire began when the attendant was refilling a customer’s cylinder.

Meanwhile, confirming the fire incident in an exclusive interview with Inspiration FM News, the Public Relations Officer of the Akwa Ibom Fire service, Mr. EMMANUEL UDOFIA, complained the absence of essential fire prevention gadgets at most gas outlets in the state.

According to national safety regulations, businesses dealing with gas and other combustible materials are required to install fire suppression systems, conduct regular fire drills, and train employees in emergency response.