The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has stated that although fire outbreaks remain a recurring challenge in Lagos, they may never be completely eradicated. The agency however stressed that incidents can be significantly reduced through collective responsibility, strict adherence to safety measures and active community participation.
The Service made this known during the inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club and a Safety Walk organised to strengthen public awareness and promote grassroots involvement in fire prevention and emergency response across the state.
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 designed to sensitise residents on proper fire safety practices and encourage proactive measures against fire incidents.
Speaking at the event, the Controller General of the Service, Margaret Adeseye, acknowledged that fire outbreaks remain a concern in Lagos. She however revealed that official records indicate a slight reduction in reported cases between 2024 and 2025.
According to her, “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.”
Adeseye explained that the Fire Marshal system is a globally recognised community based volunteer structure aimed at strengthening fire prevention and emergency preparedness at the local level.
She stated that the establishment of Fire Marshal Clubs in markets, commercial centres and neighbourhoods across Lagos State would improve early response efforts and enhance safety awareness.
“The Fire Marshal Club will serve as a critical support structure for the Service.
“Members will be adequately trained and equipped with the knowledge required to prevent fire outbreaks and respond appropriately when emergencies occur,” she said.
She added that empowering residents through training and awareness initiatives would help bridge the gap between emergency responders and communities, particularly in densely populated areas.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Mr Femi Giwa, emphasised the importance of inter agency collaboration in emergency management.
Giwa noted that the Fire Marshal initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo Olu, explaining that trained Fire Marshals would serve as first responders and key links between their 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,” he stated.
A fire safety expert and health advocate, Dr Julius Agbo, commended the initiative and described it as a strategic reinforcement of the state’s emergency response framework.
Agbo observed that research shows about 95 per cent of fire incidents and accidents are caused by unsafe human actions, highlighting the importance of continuous public education and behavioural change.
“This initiative is timely and necessary. Preventing fires starts with changing human behaviour, and sustained public awareness is critical to achieving that,” he said.
The Service maintained that the inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club represents another important step by the Lagos State Government toward protecting lives and property through prevention, partnership and strengthened emergency response mechanisms.
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