Lagos State has initiated a fire safety awareness programme in various markets to educate traders on fire prevention and safety measures.

This move comes in response to the considerable losses experienced in the state due to fire incidents.

Officials address traders on fire safety

During an outreach that brought together officials from the Ministry of Special Duties, Lagos Safety Commission (LSC), and Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, traders received vital information on how to avert fire incidents.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr.

Gbenga Oyerinde, highlighted the importance of the campaign: “The losses recorded in the state as a result of fire informed the campaign.”

He further explained the campaign’s reach: “Today we are with the timber sector. We will meet mechanics. We will reach markets where they sell things. We will hold stakeholders forum…”

Emphasis on prevention over response

Lanre Mojola, the Director General of LSC, stressed the significance of prevention: “We bring the message of safety to the grassroots.

“Like we say, prevention is better than cure. It is better to prevent fire than fight the fire, because when you fight the fire, many things happen. First is loss of lives, second is damage to property.

“This is why we are in the markets to talk to them about fire prevention and safety measures.”

A call to action amidst rising fire outbreaks

Margaret Adeseye, the Director of Fire and Rescue Service, expressed concern over the frequency of fire incidents, noting that “2,583 outbreaks were recorded last year.”

She also mentioned the service received 251 emergency calls in January alone, attributing the increase to negligence and delayed reporting.

IFSJ Comment

The initiative by Lagos State to enhance fire safety awareness among market traders is a commendable step towards mitigating the risk of fire incidents.

By focusing on education and preventive measures, the state authorities aim to reduce the likelihood of fire outbreaks, thereby safeguarding lives and property.

This proactive approach not only addresses the immediate concerns related to fire safety but also fosters a culture of preparedness and caution among the community, especially in high-risk areas like markets.

It is essential for such campaigns to be ongoing and for their messages to reach as wide an audience as possible, ensuring that all sectors of the community are equipped with the knowledge to prevent fire incidents effectively.