No fewer than 82 residents of Lagos were confirmed to have died and over 376 victims sustained different degrees of injuries during fire disasters and other emergency cases recorded within the state in the last one year.
Aside from the casualties, the state lost N25.37 billion property that was damaged during the period under review in the state.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental relations, Gbenga Oyerinde, disclosed this on Monday while reeling out achievements of the ministry especially under the State Fire and Rescue Service led Chief Executive Officer for the agency, Margaret Adeseye, within the last one year.
Oyerinde stated that the casualties and the huge funds lost were recorded from 2,537 emergency cases responded to by the firefighters during the period under review, saying the number would have been more but the dedication of the firefighters.
According to him, “Key statistics from the year’s emergency calls revealed a total of 2,537 incidents, including 1,627 fire calls, 191 rescue calls, 93 salvage calls, and four explosions, alongside 607 false alarms.
“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”.
He disclosed that the achievements recorded in fire disasters were due to improved welfare package for the emergency officials, to aid their response and commitment towards serving Lagosians.
The Commissioner explained that the governor approved upward review of firefighters’ allowances for uniform maintenance, shift work, hazards, and PPE. Training and retraining programs, both local and foreign.
While stressing that the incumbent administration prioritized enhancing capacity and boost firefighters morale for emergency, Oyerinde announced that plans have been concluded to launch three new modern fire stations.
The Commissioner added that the aim behind the stations were to strengthen the state’s emergency response capabilities and enhance safety of residents and properties.
“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,” he announced.
He added that land spaces have been identified to develop additional fire stations in Ibeji Lekki, Ifako Ijaiye, and other locations.
Speaking further, he revealed that his Ministry has rendered necessary support to several Federal Agencies located within the State, through the provision of office accommodation, furniture, and utility vehicles to achieve their respective goals.
