When fire breaks out, survival depends on the first few moments. Evacuate quickly, stay low if there’s smoke, and never use elevators. Alert others, call emergency services from a safe distance, and know how to act if escape is impossible. Here’s a practical guide, shaped by recent tragedies, to make fire safety part of everyday life.
On September 16, tragedy struck Afriland Towers on Broad Street, Lagos Island. The six-storey commercial building went up in flames after a fire started in the inverter room in the basement around 1:20 PM. Thick smoke spread quickly through the stairways and offices, leaving many trapped.
When it was over, ten lives had been lost. Six workers from United Capital were confirmed dead, while four staff members of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) also did not survive. Videos of desperate victims hanging out of windows and crying for help filled social media. It was another painful reminder that fire emergencies often come with late or inadequate response.
Fire safety as lifestyle
Fire does not only destroy property. It reshapes families, careers and communities. In Nigeria, where emergency trucks sometimes arrive late or without enough water, the best defence is knowing what to do in those first few moments. Fire safety must move from theory to practice, part of everyday life.
Steps that can save your life
All the safety steps below are drawn from expert publications and fire safety authorities, including the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the World Health Organisation (WHO), Johnson Controls Fire Safety, and Nigerian-based studies on fire prevention. These sources provide globally recognised and locally relevant guidance on how to act when fire breaks out.
Stay calm and move quickly
Panic makes people freeze. A deep breath and a clear head will help you find the safest exit. Research by the National Fire Protection Association shows that staying calm improves survival chances during emergencies.
Alert others immediately
Shout “fire” loudly to let people know. If there is a fire alarm or smoke detector, activate it at once. Do not waste time trying to save belongings.
Check before opening doors
Use the back of your hand, not your palm, to test doors and handles. If it feels hot, do not open. If it feels cool, open slowly but be ready to close it if flames or smoke appear. The World Health Organisation warns that smoke inhalation causes more deaths in fire incidents than burns themselves.
Learn to use a fire extinguisher
For small fires, especially electrical fires, a dry powder extinguisher is safest. Never use water on live wires. Experts at Johnson Controls recommend dry powder as a reliable all-round option.
If escape is impossible
Shut doors to slow down the flames. Block gaps with wet towels or cloth to keep smoke out. Call emergency services (112) and state your exact location. If near a window, wave a bright cloth or use your phone light to signal but avoid breaking glass because it can cause serious injuries.
Stop, drop, and roll
If your clothes catch fire, stop moving, drop to the ground, cover your face if possible, and roll until the flames are out. Afterwards, cool the burns with clean water for three to five minutes and seek urgent medical attention.
Once out, remain out
Never go back inside a burning building. Professionals are trained to handle that risk. Re-entering can cost your life.
Why preparation matters
What happened at Afriland Towers is not only about one office block. It is about the buildings we live in, the schools our children attend, and the places where we worship. How many practise fire drills or have working smoke detectors? How many landlords maintain fire extinguishers and exits?
Preparedness must become part of our culture. Fire drills should be routine. Extinguishers and emergency exits should be maintained. Staff and residents must know what to do before an emergency strikes.
Because when fire strikes, survival often depends on quick thinking and basic knowledge.
