According to the report, 649 fire outbreaks were recorded during the period under review, with property valued at about N145.4 billion being saved. Sadly, 28 lives were lost in the fire incidents, while 40 others were rescued.
The report detailed the number of properties affected, including 111 public buildings, 230 private ones, 11 educational establishments, 61 shops, 19 factories and banks, nine clubs, hotels and restaurants. The report also indicated that 56 petrol stations, 21 oil and gas facilities, two timber sheds, 63 automobiles, 17 markets, and 49 others were destroyed by fire within the period under review.
Regarding the causes of the fire incidents, the report indicated that 122 of the cases were linked to electrical equipment and high voltage, while 16 were due to illegal storage of petroleum products. Additionally, the report stated that 32 of the fire incidents were caused by cigarette stubs and bush burning, 185 by electrical sparks, 37 through gas, and 104 due to accidents, arson, and automobile incidents.
The statistics further showed that 88 of the fire incidents were due to unknown causes, and seven resulted from building collapse. The report also revealed that 17 out of the fire incidents were still under investigation.
Fire incidents have been a growing concern in Nigeria in recent years, with experts attributing the trend to a lack of adherence to basic safety precautions, poor building standards, and inadequate firefighting equipment. Despite efforts by the FFS to improve safety awareness, the number of fire incidents continues to rise.
The FFS has appealed to Nigerians to take safety measures seriously and adhere to the basic rules and regulations on fire safety. The service also urged building owners and developers to follow established building codes and safety standards to minimize the risks of fire incidents.
The FFS has promised to continue to intensify its efforts to create awareness, promote fire safety education, and provide adequate firefighting equipment across the country. The service has also called on the government to invest more in the firefighting sector to enable them to provide better services to the public.
The FFS is optimistic that with greater public awareness and cooperation, it will be possible to reduce the incidence of fire outbreaks and minimize the loss of lives and property in the country. The service has also urged Nigerians to report any suspicious activities that could lead to fire incidents to the relevant authorities.