Lagos State Government, on Monday, revealed that 82 lives were lost to fire incidents in Lagos just as property worth N25.37b got damaged from fire incidents in the 12 months.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Mr Olugbenga Oyerinde, stated this at the ongoing annual ministerial press briefing to mark the first year of the second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in office.
The commissioner stated that 2,537 emergency calls were received including 1,627 fire calls, 191 rescue calls, 93 salvage calls, and four explosions, alongside 607 false alarms.
He said: “This highlighted the critical need for increased awareness of fire safety measures to combat the impact of negligence and non-compliance with safety codes.
“Despite the challenges, the agency successfully rescued 376 victims, preserving an estimated property worth of N152.22 billion, albeit with a regrettable loss of 82 casualties and N25.37 billion in property damage.
“Non-emergency activities conducted during the year included the inspection of 7,819 facilities, issuance of fire safety compliance certificates to 5,220 facilities, issuance of 92 fire reports upon request, and a total of 364 advocacy initiatives, among other endeavors.
“In line with efforts to bolster infrastructure, three new fire stations are nearing completion in Ijegun-Egba, Satellite Town, and Ijede, while an ultramodern workshop at the Alausa headquarters is nearly finished to cater to the agency’s fleet maintenance needs.
“Additionally, land spaces have been identified for the development of additional fire stations in Ibeji Lekki, and Ifako Ijaiye.”
