Fire outbreak in Lagos state, Nigeria has over the years topped reports. The poor fire service in the state has largely been reformed by the present governor, Akinwunmi Ambode.
Recently, Lagos State Government has said properties worth N99.72 billion was saved from the various fire outbreaks that occurred in the state in the last one year.
The State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, who disclosed this at a press briefing confirmed that properties estimated at sum of N16.62 billion was also lost to fire in the same year.
He further stated that fire service of Lagos state had received numerous emergency calls that were urgently responded to. He highlighted that a total of 1,225 emergency calls were received by the state fire service, with 988 as fire calls, 139 rescue calls and 90 as false calls. However, the agency also attended to numerous fire incidents, road crashes as well as emergency cases.
He further highlighted the emergency cases to include 988 cases of fire incidents, 242 road crashes, two incidences of oil spillage, five gas explosions, emission and six cases of flooding. Others include two cases of street light electrocution, eight cases of fallen tankers, 15 cases of illegally parked trucks, and a case of eroded power line amongst others.
The fire service agency has effectively and efficiently carried out their duties and responsibilities. The agency has been able to create fire prevention modules, firefighting, rescue activities, capacity building and public advocacy campaign as well as other humanitarian functions relating to safety of lives and protection of properties in the state.
“In view of the growing population and rapid physical development in Lagos State, we realised the urgent need to expand the operational frontiers of the fire service to meet the expectations of the people in terms of accessibility and proximity to the grassroots” Oladejo said.
In line with the government determination to make the state fire service respond proactively to disaster, the Governor of Lagos state, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, recently approved the establishment of four new fire stations across the state.
The new fire stations is said to be located at new multi-agency centre in Bolade Oshodi, Olorunda-Badagry, Eredo-Epe and Ijede-Ikorodu respectively. It was confirmed that despite the numerous emergency calls received by the fire service, every call was given urgent attention as lives and properties were saved.
Nigerians, most especially the Lagos state residents are really excited with this great development. They confirmed that lives and properties have been save due to the fire service prompt response to call. They however hope that such development will be sustained.
