Beware of kitchen fires, FFS boss warns against overfill oil pan while cooking sallah meals

Ahead of this year’s sallah celebration, the Controller General of the Federal Fire Service (FFS) Engr. Abdulganiyu Jaji, has warned muslim faithful and the general public not to overfill their cooking pans with oil while cooking meals, urging all to be safety conscious.

In a statement personally signed by the FFS Controller-General, Thursday in Abuja, he cautioned celebrants, especially muslim women traditionally in charge of festive meals—to ensure cooking oil never exceeds one-third of the pan to avoid kitchen fires.

He said: “Cooking is at the heart of our Sallah celebrations, but it’s also where most accidental home fires begin. During festivals like Eid al-Adha, the risks increase as families prepare larger meals at different hours of the day.”

The FFS boss, while congratulating Muslims nationwide on the festive occasion, also urged everyone to keep safety front and center.

He encouraged homes to be equipped with fire extinguishers, fire blankets, and smoke detectors, and reminded Nigerians to turn off stoves and electrical appliances before stepping out.

He said: “Roasting of animals, a cherished Sallah tradition, should be done in open spaces. And gas cylinders must be stored outside the kitchen at all times.

Parents were also warned to keep children away from open flames or matches.

Engr Jaji also addressed potential road and water travel hazards associated with the holiday season, urging tanker and trailer drivers to reduce speed and obey traffic rules to help prevent unnecessary bloodshed on the roads.

For those traveling by water, Jaji called on boat operators to be cautious of water current levels and to avoid overloading vessels, which is common causes of fatal accidents during busy holiday seasons.

“We may be ready to respond at any time,” Jaji said, “but what we truly want is for Nigerians to stay safe and avoid emergencies altogether.”

The Fire Service, he assured, will remain fully operational throughout the holiday, with personnel on high alert and rapid response plans in place.

The FFS boss urged Nigerians to report any fire outbreak or emergency to the nearest fire station or via designated emergency hotlines without delay.

“This celebration is about peace, unity, and gratitude. Let’s keep it that way, free of fire incidents and full of joy.”