The campaign was in line with activities to mark the 2012 National Day.

Fire outbreaks in markets have of late been recurrent in the country, often resulting in huge losses in cash and property. On December 13, 2008, a fire at the Douala Central Market destroyed a 2500-metre section for woodwork, textiles and mattresses popularly referred to as Marché Congo. Initial material loss was estimated at hundreds of millions of FCFA, but no human lives were lost.

On March 2, 2010, the Tiko Market in the South West Region was gutted by fire, damaging 800 stalls. Not long ago, a fire gutted some 500 stalls in the Kumba Main Market in the same region, destroying both cash and property estimated at hundreds of millions. The Tiko Council has no fire fighting unit and there are no taps inside or nearby. Fire fighters came in late from Douala after the fire had already consumed the entire market. Apart from the absence of water in some markets, traders are also to blame for the irresponsible manner in which electrical connections are done in shops.

It is against this backdrop that the National Fire Brigade organised a national campaign to sensitise the public on the prevention of fire disasters in markets. The campaign which lasted three days was in line with activities to mark the 2012 National Day celebrations in Cameroon. In Yaounde, the Mfoundi, Mokolo and Yaounde Central markets were chosen for the operation that began on Wednesday May 9, 2012. The same operation took place in Douala and Garoua.

During the campaign, the fire service carried out demonstrations of basic first aid and rescue techniques, gave safety instructions and pointed out better ways of securing lives and property. The campaign was also to enable the public understand that the service is there for them. Dr. Major Francis Ekosso said the initiative of the high command of the National Fire Brigade was also to train civilians on the importance of guarding against fire outbreaks.