The Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Mrs Margaret Adeseye, has revealed that no fewer than 95 per cent of fire outbreaks recorded in Lagos are triggered by unsafe acts and ignorance on the part of residents.
Adeseye disclosed this on Saturday during a Safety Walk and inauguration of the Lagos State Fire Marshals Club held at the State Secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja.
The safety sensitisation walk, which commenced at Alausa and terminated at Ikeja Under Bridge via Awolowo Way, attracted emergency responders, government officials and community representatives.
The development comes amid recurring fire outbreaks across markets, commercial centres and workplaces in the state, raising fresh concerns over public safety and emergency preparedness.
Adeseye said findings from investigations conducted by the agency indicated that most incidents were avoidable.
According to her, “About 95 per cent of fire outbreaks in Lagos are caused by unsafe acts due to lack of knowledge. Awareness and proper education remain critical to reducing these incidents.”
She explained that the Fire Marshals initiative was designed to deepen public participation in fire prevention by training and deploying volunteers across communities.
The Controller-General noted that marshals would be equipped with basic firefighting knowledge and emergency response skills to act as first responders before the arrival of professional firefighters.
She said the initiative aligns with the safety vision of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.
“The current government and the leadership of the Fire and Rescue Service are passionate about reducing fire outbreaks. This programme is an opportunity to convert residents into partners in progress for fire safety,” she added.
Speaking at the event, one of the newly inaugurated marshals, Mr Ajao Sulaimon, said he joined the club to gain better knowledge of fire prevention and management.
“There are so many fire incidents in Lagos, largely because people lack adequate knowledge about fire safety. With this training, we can help mitigate incidents before officers arrive at the scene,” he said.
Another marshal, Mr Abube John, described the rising spate of fire outbreaks as worrisome.
“Fire incidents are becoming a serious issue in Lagos, and knowledge of firefighting and prevention is limited among the populace.
Joining the Fire Marshals Club is my own way of contributing to the safety of society,” he said.
The Fire Service reiterated its call on residents to prioritise safety precautions in homes, markets and workplaces, stressing that prevention remains more effective and less costly than emergency response.
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