Fire Outbreaks Can’t Be Eliminated, But Can Be Reduced – Lagos Fire Chief
Kehinde Adeleye
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has said that while fire outbreaks remain a recurring challenge in the state, they cannot be completely eradicated but can be significantly reduced through collective responsibility, strict compliance with safety standards and active community participation.
The Service made this known during the inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club and a Safety Walk organised to deepen public awareness and strengthen grassroots involvement in fire prevention and emergency response.
The awareness walk commenced from the Service Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, proceeded through the Ikeja Fire Station and returned to the headquarters. The exercise was aimed at sensitising residents to fire safety practices and encouraging proactive measures to prevent incidents.
Speaking at the event, the Controller General of the Service, Margaret Adeseye, acknowledged that fire outbreaks remain a concern in Lagos but disclosed that official records show a slight reduction in cases between 2024 and 2025.
“Fire outbreaks may not be totally eliminated, but they can be drastically minimised if everyone takes responsibility, complies with safety measures and actively participates in prevention efforts,” she said.
Adeseye explained that the Fire Marshal system is a globally recognised, community-based volunteer structure designed to strengthen fire prevention and emergency preparedness at the local level. She noted that establishing Fire Marshal Clubs in markets, commercial centres and neighbourhoods across Lagos State would enhance early response and improve safety awareness.
According to her, members of the club will receive adequate training and knowledge to prevent fire outbreaks and respond appropriately during emergencies, helping to bridge the gap between emergency responders and densely populated communities.
Also speaking, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Femi Giwa, emphasised the need for strong inter-agency collaboration in emergency management. He stated that the initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, adding that trained Fire Marshals would serve as first responders and vital links between communities and emergency agencies.
“Fire Marshals will play a key role in ensuring timely communication with emergency responders, particularly through the use of designated toll-free emergency numbers,” Giwa said.
Fire safety expert and health advocate Julius Agbo described the initiative as a strategic reinforcement of the state’s emergency response framework. He noted that research shows about 95 per cent of fire incidents and accidents are caused by unsafe human actions, stressing the need for sustained public education and behavioural change.
The Service said the inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club represents another significant step by the Lagos State Government toward protecting lives and property through prevention, partnership and improved emergency response systems.
