By Bullian
The County Government of Uasin Gishu has issued a warning to residents about the rising number of fire incidents during the ongoing summer season. Joseph Lagat, the County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Roads and Transport, called on the public to exercise heightened caution, as fires are spreading quickly due to the dry conditions.
Lagat highlighted various activities that could potentially lead to fire outbreaks, including cooking, burning of fields, and smoking. He also expressed concern about children being exposed to fire hazards, emphasizing the need for increased vigilance among parents and guardians.
"When we cook, when we burn fields, and even for those who smoke, we should be very careful. I want our children to be cautious when around fire because, in recent days, even children have been responsible for causing fires," Lagat warned.
In addition to the cautionary advice, Lagat urged Uasin Gishu residents to familiarize themselves with the emergency contact number for the local fire services. He explained that delays in reporting fires often lead to severe damage, as fires spread rapidly if not addressed promptly.
"We’ve noticed that when fire incidents are reported, it’s often too late, and significant damage has already been done. We encourage residents to call the emergency number 0710646464 immediately when they spot a fire," Lagat said.
The warning comes in the aftermath of a devastating fire in the Mois Bridge area, which destroyed over fifty shops and caused extensive property damage, though the total value remains unknown. Lagat assured residents that the county has adequate firefighting equipment and is ready to cooperate with the public to reduce the frequency and impact of fire-related incidents.
“We have sufficient equipment in place and are prepared to assist in preventing and managing fire outbreaks in our community,” he added.
With the summer season expected to continue, the County Government is urging all residents to remain vigilant and take proactive measures to ensure safety for themselves and the community.