A statement signed by the Director of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye revealed that in January 2024 alone, the Service received 251 emergency calls, adding that there were no signs of abatement since the beginning of February 2024.

She attributed the rise in emergency cases primarily to negligence and delayed reporting, noting that the culmination of 2537 emergencies in 2023 underscores the imperative of addressing the ugly trend promptly.

While urging all residents to prioritise fire safety measures to mitigate the risk of outbreaks, particularly amidst the harsh harmattan weather conditions,  Adeseye emphasised that while harmattan intensifies fires, human actions such as improper storage of petroleum products, misuse of electrical appliances, hot works operations and mishandling of gas cylinders are significant contributing factors.

The Director said, “In response to these challenges, the Lagos State Government is intensifying its fire safety awareness campaign across all local government areas. Key public spaces, including markets, hospitals, schools, and religious centres, are targeted for enhanced outreach efforts.

Adeseye also reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to preserving lives and properties, imploring residents to adhere to fundamental fire safety principles.

She, therefore, enjoined the public to report any fire outbreak promptly to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service through the emergency toll-free lines: 767 or 112, as well as the Lagos Fire Hotline at 08033235891.