‏As the dry season sets in across Lagos, the State Fire and Rescue Service 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 Service’s 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-month period.

Of the total incidents recorded, fire outbreaks accounted for 1,135 cases, making them by far 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 revealed that emergency responders rescued 210 people during operations carried out across the state, while 65 suspected fatalities were recovered from various incidents.

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 total value of properties affected during the period was estimated at N92.68 billion.

The report raised concerns over the growing number of false emergency calls. A total of 341 false alarms were recorded between January and September, a development the Service said could delay response to genuine emergencies and place lives at risk.

A breakdown of the figures showed that January recorded the highest number of incidents, with 203 cases, followed closely by March with 201. September had the lowest number, with 94 incidents.

March also recorded the highest number of fire outbreaks, with 176 calls, while January followed with 173. September again had the least number of fire incidents, with 80 cases.

As temperatures rise and vegetation becomes drier, Adeseye urged residents, businesses and institutions to adopt simple preventive measures, including avoiding indiscriminate burning, handling flammable materials carefully and ensuring electrical appliances are switched off when not in use.

She also advised residents not to overload electrical sockets, to maintain functional fire extinguishers and to ensure that escape routes in homes, offices and public buildings remain unobstructed.

The Controller-General 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 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 in Lagos.