Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has said that while fire outbreaks remain a recurring challenge in Lagos, they cannot be completely eradicated but can be significantly reduced through collective responsibility, strict safety compliance and active community participation.
The Service stated this during the inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club and a Safety Walk organised to deepen public awareness and strengthen grassroots involvement in fire prevention and emergency response across the state.
The awareness walk, which held recently, commenced from the Service Headquarters in Alausa, Ikeja, moved through the Ikeja Fire Station and returned to the headquarters. The exercise was aimed at sensitising residents on fire safety practices while encouraging communities to take proactive steps toward preventing fire incidents.
Speaking at the event, the Controller General of the Service, Margaret Adeseye, acknowledged that fire incidents remain a concern in Lagos but revealed that official records showed a slight reduction in cases between 2024 and 2025.
According to her, “Fire outbreaks may not be totally eliminated, but they can be drastically minimised if everyone takes responsibility, complies with safety measures and actively participates in prevention efforts.”
Adeseye explained that the Fire Marshal system is a globally recognised, community-based volunteer structure designed to strengthen fire prevention and emergency preparedness at the local level. She said the establishment of Fire Marshal Clubs in markets, commercial centres and neighbourhoods across Lagos State would significantly enhance early response and safety awareness.
“The Fire Marshal Club will serve as a critical support structure for the Service.
“Members will be adequately trained and equipped with the knowledge required to prevent fire outbreaks and respond appropriately when emergencies occur,” she said.
She added that empowering residents through training and awareness would bridge the gap between emergency responders and communities, especially in densely populated areas.
Also speaking at the event, the General Manager of the Lagos State Command and Control Centre, Mr. Femi Giwa, stressed the need for strong inter-agency collaboration in emergency management.
Giwa said the Fire Marshal initiative aligns with the THEMES Plus Agenda of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, noting that trained Fire Marshals would serve as first responders and vital links between their communities and emergency agencies.
“Fire Marshals will play a key role in ensuring timely communication with emergency responders, particularly through the use of designated toll-free emergency numbers,” he stated.
Fire safety expert and health and safety advocate, Dr. Julius Agbo, also commended the initiative, describing it as a strategic support system for the state government’s emergency response framework.
Agbo noted that research indicates that about 95 per cent of fire incidents and accidents are caused by unsafe human actions, underscoring the importance of continuous public education and behavioural change.
“This initiative is timely and necessary. Preventing fires starts with changing human behaviour, and sustained public awareness is critical to achieving that,” he said.
The inauguration of the Fire Marshal Club, according to the Service, represents another major step by the Lagos State Government toward safeguarding lives and property through prevention, partnership and improved emergency response mechanisms.
Why fire outbreaks may never be totally eliminated — Lagos Fire Service
