Strengthening fire safety awareness among market traders

The Lagos State Safety Commission, in collaboration with the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, has launched a fire safety sensitisation campaign targeting market traders, especially during the ember months and the yuletide season.

This initiative was flagged off at the Balogun Market on Lagos Island, highlighting the urgency of fire safety during peak trading periods.

Recent incidents in Lagos prompt preventative measures

The recent tragic fire incidents in several Lagos markets have underscored the need for heightened fire safety awareness.

Notably, a fire at the Ladipo plank market in the Orile-Iganmu area led to the destruction of 300 shops and significant losses for over 1,000 traders.

This disaster, among others, has intensified efforts by the state government to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Key safety measures and emergency response

The campaign emphasises essential safety precautions such as the removal of combustible materials, unplugging of electrical appliances when not in use, and avoidance of overloading electrical circuits.

The Director General of the Safety Commission, Mr. Lanre Mojola, and the Director of the Lagos Fire and Rescue Services, Mrs. Margaret Adeseye, stressed the importance of these measures and the need for prompt emergency response.

Traders are encouraged to report any fire incidents immediately using the state’s emergency toll-free numbers, 767 or 112.

Expanding the reach of fire safety education

The campaign is not limited to Balogun Market but will extend to around 20 markets across Lagos State.

The comprehensive effort aims to instil a culture of safety in marketplaces, influencing both traders and customers.

The initiative, themed “Mitigating Fire Risk through Fire Prevention,” is part of a broader effort to reach various public segments and grassroots communities.

IFSJ Comment

The proactive steps taken by the Lagos State Safety Commission and the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service in launching this fire safety sensitisation campaign are commendable.

By focusing on market traders, a group particularly vulnerable to fire hazards due to the nature of their work and environment, the campaign addresses a critical need in fire safety education.

The recent incidents in Lagos markets serve as a stark reminder of the devastating impact fires can have on communities and economies.