The Oyo State Fire Services Agency recorded 246 fire incidents across the state in 2025, rescuing 42 people and recovering 30 bodies, in what officials described as a troubling reminder of rising safety risks and the urgent need for stronger emergency response systems.
Chairman of the agency and Special Adviser on Fire Reform to Governor Seyi Makinde, Dr Maroof Akinwande, disclosed the figures in Ibadan on Thursday, saying the scale of incidents underscored the growing threat of fire disasters to lives, property and the environment.
According to him, January recorded the highest number of outbreaks with 29 cases, followed by February with 27 and March with 22. April and May each had 24 incidents, June 17, July 15, August 14, September 24, October and November 13 each, while December closed the year with 21 cases.
Akinwande said 116 residential buildings and 38 shops were damaged by fire outbreaks during the year, while 14 vehicles and 21 petroleum tankers were destroyed, incidents he described as particularly dangerous due to the risk of explosions and environmental pollution.
He added that the agency responded to 353 operations in total, including 95 special rescue services beyond conventional firefighting, but lamented that 10 false emergency calls disrupted operations and diverted scarce resources from genuine emergencies.
“These figures show how critical our work is to public safety. False calls not only waste time but can cost lives when genuine emergencies are delayed,” he said.
The fire chief assured residents that the state government was strengthening the agency’s capacity, revealing that Governor Makinde had approved the procurement of seven brand new firefighting trucks expected within the next three to six months.
He added that the government had also paid firefighting auxiliaries and approved the purchase of tyres and batteries to boost the performance of existing vehicles.
Akinwande urged residents to adopt safer habits at home, workplaces and public spaces, stressing that prevention remained the most effective way to reduce fire-related losses.
“Fire safety is a collective responsibility. Awareness and precaution can save lives and protect livelihoods,” he said.
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