Poor Safety Awareness Behind 95% of Lagos Fires – Official
Kehinde Adeleye
The Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, has revealed that about 95 per cent of fire outbreaks in Lagos are caused by unsafe human actions, largely due to inadequate public awareness and poor safety practices.
Adeseye disclosed this on Saturday during a Safety Walk and the inauguration of the Lagos State Fire Marshals Club at the State Secretariat, Alausa.
The event featured a sensitisation walk from Alausa to Ikeja Under Bridge along Awolowo Way, amid growing concerns over increasing fire incidents in markets and workplaces across the state.
According to her, the Fire Marshals initiative is aimed at reducing fire outbreaks through sustained public awareness campaigns, training, and the deployment of community-based volunteers who will act as first responders.
She explained that the marshals would be equipped with basic fire safety knowledge to help prevent incidents and provide immediate response before the arrival of professional firefighters.
“The collaboration with first responders and the Lagos State Fire Service aligns with the vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for a safer Lagos,” Adeseye said.
“This administration and the leadership of the Fire and Rescue Service are committed to reducing fire outbreaks. Awareness and knowledge remain critical in preventing fires, and this initiative is structured to provide that knowledge to residents,” she added.
She noted that the programme provides residents with an opportunity to partner with the Lagos State Fire Service in promoting fire safety across communities.
One of the newly inducted fire marshals, Mr Ajao Sulaimon, said he joined the initiative due to the rising number of fire incidents in the state.
“Most of these fires occur because people lack adequate knowledge about prevention. Being part of the Fire Marshals Club will help me understand fire management better and enable me to assist in controlling incidents before firefighters arrive,” he said.
Another marshal, Mr Abube John, said he was motivated by the growing fire challenges in Lagos.
“Fire incidents have become a serious issue, and many residents have little or no knowledge of firefighting or prevention. I joined the Fire Marshals Club as my contribution to improving safety and protecting lives and property in Lagos,” he said.
