How Lagos saved N99.72bn properties from fire outbreaks —Commissioner

Lagos State government said saved properties worth N99.72 billion from the various fire outbreaks that occurred in the state in the last one year.

The State Commissioner for Special Duties, Mr. Oluseye Oladejo, said this on Thursday at a press briefing, disclosing also that properties estimated at N16.62 billion was also lost to fire in the same year.

According to him, a total of 1,225 emergency calls were received by the state fire service, with 988 as fire calls, 139 rescue calls and 90 as false calls.

Oladejo said the agency also attended to numerous fire incidents, road crashes as well as emergency cases, listing the emergency cases to include 988 cases of fire incidents, 242 road crashes, two incidences of oil spillage, five gas explosions, emission and six cases of flooding.

Others, according to him, include two cases of street light electrocution, eight arising from fallen tankers, 15 cases of illegally parked trucks, and a case of eroded power line, among others.

Oladejo said the fire service agency had effectively carried out their responsibilities of fire prevention, firefighting, rescue activities, capacity building and public advocacy campaign as well as other humanitarian functions relating to safety of lives and protection of properties in the state.

“in view of the growing population and rapid physical development in Lagos State, we realised the urgent need to expand the operational frontiers of the fire service to meet the expectations of the people in terms of accessibility and proximity to the grassroots,” he said.

The commissioner explained that in line with the government determination to make the state fire service respond proactively to disaster, that the state governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode, approved the establishment of four new fire stations.

He said the new fire stations would be located at new multi-agency centre in Bolade Oshodi, Olorunda-Badagry, Eredo-Epe and Ijede-Ikorodu.

Oladejo said the one at the new multi agency centre had fully commenced operation, adding that the state government chose the strategic locations to enable it provide swift and effective services to residents.

He said in spite of the various accidents recorded during the period under review, the ministry was able to respond promptly to address the situation and save lives and properties.