Katsina State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Home Affairs, AbdulKarim Sirika, said on Friday that 50 persons lost their lives in various fire outbreaks in the state this year.

Sirika made the disclosure at a media briefing in Katsina and added that the review of the fire incidents was from January to date.

He said firefighters rescued 95 persons and saved property estimated at millions of naira during the period under review.

According to the commissioner, the fire service department received over 906 fire calls during the period.

The commissioner said the government had spent N10.7 million on the purchase of fire fighting equipment, chemicals, and uniforms for fire officers.

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“N15.6 million was also expended on the repairs and servicing of 11 Fire Engines to enhance operations of fire fighters in the state, “the commissioner said.

He further said that the government purchased communication gadgets and complete sets of audio-visual sirens for fire service stations at N6.8 million.

He urged the people of the state to continue to support government policies and programmes that were aimed at elevating the state and improve the living condition of the residents.