“Anyone who wants to install a solar system should consult us”- Federal Fire Service says

The Federal Fire Service (FFS) has issued a critical advisory to Nigerian homeowners and businesses amidst a rising trend of fire outbreaks linked to faulty alternative energy solar installations in the country.

The Kano State Command of the FFS is urging citizens to seek professional oversight and technical guidance from the service before and during the installation of solar power systems.

Speaking in a recent interview with Channels TV, the Public Relations Officer for the Kano State Federal Fire Service, Deputy Superintendent of Fire (DSF) Alhassan Kantin, clarified the service’s role in the evolving energy sector.

He emphasised that while the fire service does not engage in the commercial installation of solar panels, its mandate includes ensuring that such installations meet rigorous safety standards to prevent avoidable disasters.

“Anyone who wants to install a solar system should please consult the nearest office of the Federal Fire Service for guidance,” DSF Kantin stated. “I am not saying we install, but we can guide and supervise during installation.”

The surge in solar energy adoption across Nigeria, driven by the need for reliable power and rising electricity tariffs, has unfortunately been accompanied by a spike in electrical fires. Many of these incidents are attributed to substandard equipment, poor wiring, and the engagement of unqualified technicians.

Addressing concerns regarding the technical capacity of the service to provide such oversight, Kantin highlighted the intellectual and professional depth within the agency. He noted that the Federal Fire Service is no longer just a reactionary force of “firefighters” but a sophisticated body comprising various technical specialists.

“The Federal Fire Service is currently constituted with numerous engineers,” Kantin explained. “As a result, we do have knowledge of these possibilities of fire outbreaks when it comes to electrical appliances.”

By involving the FFS during the installation phase, Kantin argued, the “possibilities of fire outbreaks” can be significantly mitigated. The engineers within the service can evaluate the load capacity, the quality of the inverters and batteries, and the placement of panels to ensure they do not pose a risk to the structural integrity of the building or the safety of its occupants.

Fire Service aims for prevention with solar installation warning

According to DSF Kantin, “In addition to our advisory role, the Service has inaugurated a specialised committee of high-ranking personnel, led by ACG Bolarinde Tajudeen Muhammed of the Inspection, Investigation, and Enforcement Department, to conduct nationwide risk assessments of public and private buildings.” 

“This task force, which includes our legal directors and senior engineers, is mandated to go around the country to classify buildings based on their fire risk levels and ensure full compliance with the National Fire Safety Code. Our goal is to proactively identify hazards before they lead to disasters, ensuring that every high-occupancy space is truly equipped to protect the lives of those within its walls.”

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The PRO’s call to action signals a shift toward proactive fire prevention rather than reactive fire suppression. In many developed jurisdictions, fire departments play a central role in building code enforcement and electrical inspections.

The Kano FFS is advocating for a similar culture in Nigeria, where the FFS acts as a safety auditor for high-risk electrical setups like solar farms and domestic solar arrays.

Experts in the renewable energy sector have often warned that the DC (Direct Current) electricity generated by solar panels can be more dangerous than standard AC (Alternating Current) if handled improperly. DC arcs can be incredibly difficult to extinguish and are a leading cause of rooftop fires. The supervision of FFS engineers would specifically target these technical vulnerabilities.

DSF Kantin concluded by reiterating that the service is open to the public and that seeking their expertise is a preventive measure that could save lives and property. As more Nigerians “go green” to escape the country’s power challenges, the Federal Fire Service remains adamant that the transition to renewable energy must not come at the cost of fire safety.

Property owners intending to install solar systems are now encouraged to visit the nearest FFS command to request a safety brief or a supervisory visit by the service’s engineering unit.

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