The Kaduna State Climate Change Accountability Mechanism (KADCCAM) has warned hunters, farmers and other residents against indiscriminate bush burning as the Harmattan season approaches, urging them to adopt safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks and environmental degradation.
The warning was contained in a statement issued by the Co-Director of KADCCAM, Ibrahima Yakubu, who called on residents to exercise caution in handling fire and other potential sources of ignition during the dry season.
Yakubu noted that the Harmattan season, characterised by dry vegetation, low humidity and dusty winds, creates conditions that could cause fire to spread rapidly across residential areas, markets, farmlands, forests and other vulnerable locations.
He specifically cautioned hunters against setting bushes ablaze during hunting activities, stressing that uncontrolled fires could destroy vegetation, threaten wildlife, damage farmlands and endanger nearby communities.
The KADCCAM official also advised farmers, households, traders and business owners to avoid indiscriminate bush burning, careless disposal of cigarette butts and open-air refuse burning.
He urged residents to inspect electrical connections, switch off unused appliances, keep flammable materials away from heat sources and provide basic firefighting equipment where possible.
Beyond fire prevention, the organisation warned against environmental practices capable of worsening the effects of the dry season, including deforestation, indiscriminate waste disposal, open-air waste burning and activities that contribute to air pollution.
Yakubu further called on farmers and herders to embrace environmentally friendly land management practices, protect trees and vegetation, and avoid uncontrolled burning of farmlands and grazing areas.
He also advised residents to take precautions against Harmattan-related health challenges by reducing exposure to dust, maintaining proper hygiene, keeping water sources clean and protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, older persons and people with respiratory conditions.
The organisation emphasised that environmental protection and disaster prevention require collective responsibility, urging government agencies, traditional and religious leaders, community associations and civil society organisations to support public awareness and preventive measures.
KADCCAM further encouraged residents to promptly report fire outbreaks and other environmental emergencies to relevant emergency response authorities rather than attempting to handle dangerous situations without adequate training or equipment.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to promoting environmental responsibility, stressing that preventing bushfires, protecting vegetation, reducing pollution and maintaining clean communities are essential to building a safer, healthier and climate-resilient Kaduna State.