Addis Ababa Fire Commission Issues Public Safety Advisory Ahead of New Year

The Addis Ababa City Fire and Disaster Risk Management Commission has issued a public safety advisory ahead of the upcoming New Year holiday celebrations. Solomon Mekonnen from the commission's Risk Reduction Sector cautioned residents against the improper use of electrical appliances, gas stoves, candles, and charcoal stoves, which pose heightened fire risks during the festive period. He emphasized the necessity of maintaining adequate ventilation when using charcoal stoves indoors and strictly advised against overloading electrical sockets or attempting to extinguish electrical fires with water before cutting the power source. Furthermore, the commission urged the public to refrain from lighting campfires near fuel depots or residential neighborhoods and warned against drunk driving. Citizens were advised to report any fire or medical emergencies using the toll-free hotline 939 or direct lines 011-1-55 53 00 and 011-1-56 86 01. Additionally, the commission noted that official details regarding the cause and extent of damage from the recent Merkato fire incident would be released after further assessment.