Says state recorded 1,324 emergencies in nine months

Lagos State Government has appealed to residents to adopt safer habits and remain vigilant, warning that simple acts of negligence could lead to devastating loss of life and property.

The appeal follows the release of the third-quarter activity report for January to September 2026, which showed that firefighters and rescue personnel responded to 1,324 emergencies across the state during the nine months.

According to the report, of the total incidents recorded, fire outbreaks accounted for 1,135 cases, making them the most common emergencies attended to by the Service.

Other incidents included 79 rescue operations, 100 salvage missions, nine building collapses and one gas-related explosion.

Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, said the figures highlight the need for greater public awareness and strict adherence to fire-safety practices, especially as dry weather conditions increase the risk of outbreaks.

According to her, every emergency prevented through caution and preparedness represents lives saved, homes protected and livelihoods preserved.

The report, however, revealed that emergency responders rescued 210 people during operations carried out in the state, while 65 suspected fatalities were recovered from various incidents.

It stated that beyond saving lives, the Service also protected property valued at an estimated N79.44 billion, while losses from fire and other emergencies were put at about N13.24 billion.

The Controller-General, who also advised residents not to overload electrical sockets but to maintain functional fire extinguishers and ensure that escape routes in homes, offices and public buildings remain unobstructed, further encouraged residents to report emergencies promptly and cooperate with firefighters and other emergency responders at incident scenes.

She reaffirmed the commitment of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service to protecting life, property and the environment through rapid response, public enlightenment campaigns and the enforcement of fire-safety regulations.

Adeseye, however, stressed that fire safety must remain a shared responsibility, noting that prevention is still the most effective way to reduce the human and economic costs of emergencies.