Introduction

In a startling revelation that underscores the urgent need for improved fire safety culture, the Controller-General of the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Adeseye, announced that approximately 95% of fire outbreaks in Lagos are directly linked to human activities. This statistic, emerging from official investigations, points to a critical gap in public awareness and safety practices across Nigeria’s largest city. The disclosure was made during a Safety Walk and the inauguration of the Lagos State Fire Marshals Club at the State Secretariat in Alausa, an event designed to galvanize community-led fire prevention efforts.

Lagos, a densely populated megacity with a vibrant informal economy, faces recurring fire emergencies that strain emergency services and cause significant loss of life and property. The government’s finding that nearly all fires are anthropogenic—meaning resulting from human action or negligence—shifts the focus from inevitable accidents to preventable incidents. This article delves into the causes behind these statistics, the innovative Fire Marshals Club initiative, and practical steps residents and businesses can take to mitigate fire risks. By understanding the human factors in fire outbreaks, Lagosians can become active participants in building a safer urban environment.

Key Points

Overwhelming Human Causation

Investigations by the Lagos Fire and Rescue Service confirm that a staggering 95% of fires originate from human-related activities. These include electrical faults, improper storage of flammable materials, cooking accidents, and careless handling of open flames. The remaining 5% are attributed to natural causes or technical malfunctions not directly tied to human error.

Launch of the Fire Marshals Club

In response, the Lagos State Government has inaugurated the Lagos State Fire Marshals Club, a community-based volunteer program. These marshals will receive basic fire safety training to act as first responders, containing incidents before professional firefighters arrive. The initiative aligns with Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s vision for a safer Lagos.

Public Awareness as the Cornerstone

Both officials and new marshals emphasize that fire safety awareness is the most effective tool for prevention. The program aims to transform ordinary citizens into informed partners who can identify hazards, conduct basic firefighting, and educate others.

Community Empowerment and Partnership

The Fire Marshals Club represents a strategic partnership between the public and the Fire Service. By training volunteers, the government extends its reach into neighborhoods, markets, and workplaces, creating a grassroots network dedicated to fire risk reduction.

Personal Motivations for Participation

Newly inducted marshals, like community leader Mr. Ajao Sulaimon and Mr. Abube John, cite the escalating frequency of fires and the public’s lack of knowledge as their reasons for joining. They see the club as a tangible way to protect lives and property.

Background

Lagos State, with an estimated population of over 20 million, is a hub of commercial activity, informal settlements, and high-density living. These characteristics contribute to its vulnerability to fire emergencies. Historically, fire outbreaks have plagued markets such as Balogun and Idumota, office complexes, and residential areas, often resulting in massive economic losses and tragic fatalities.

The Lagos Fire and Rescue Service, established under state law, is responsible for fire prevention, suppression, and rescue operations across the state. However, the service faces challenges including limited resources, traffic congestion that delays response times, and the sheer scale of the urban landscape. In recent years, the frequency of fires has raised public alarm, prompting the government to seek more proactive, community-driven solutions.

The Safety Walk and Club inauguration event, which included a public sensitization march from Alausa to Ikeja Under Bridge along Awolowo Way, was part of a broader campaign to highlight fire safety. Officials used the platform to present data showing that human negligence—not technical failures—is the primary driver of fires. This background sets the stage for understanding why a volunteer-based approach is being prioritized.

Analysis

Why Human Activities Cause 95% of Fires

The finding that human activities cause 95% of Lagos fire outbreaks is consistent with global patterns. In many developing urban centers, rapid growth often outpaces the implementation of building codes and safety regulations. In Lagos, common human-related causes include:

• Electrical Hazards: Substandard wiring, illegal connections, and overloading circuits are rampant, especially in older buildings and informal settlements. Faulty appliances and lack of regular maintenance exacerbate the risk.
• Cooking Fires: Open-flame cooking, common in street food vendors and households, can easily ignite nearby combustible materials. Unattended stoves and improper fuel storage are frequent culprits.
• Flammable Material Storage: Markets and warehouses often store goods like fuel, chemicals, and paper in ways that violate safety norms. A single spark can lead to catastrophic blazes.
• Careless Use of Fire: Discarded cigarettes, burning of waste, and use of candles or kerosene lamps without precautions contribute significantly.
• Construction and Industrial Activities: Welding, soldering, and other hot work processes without adequate fire watches or permits.

These behaviors stem from a combination of inadequate knowledge, economic pressures that prioritize convenience over safety, and weak enforcement of existing regulations. The analysis suggests that while the Fire Service can improve its response capabilities, the most effective lever for reducing fire incidence is changing human behavior through education and community engagement.

The Role of the Fire Marshals Club in Bridging Gaps

The Fire Marshals Club is designed to address the awareness gap. By training volunteers—who are often respected community members—the program creates local champions for fire safety. These marshals will:

• Conduct door-to-door or market-based sensitization on fire hazards.
• Identify and report potential fire risks to authorities.
• Perform initial firefighting using basic equipment like fire extinguishers and buckets before professional help arrives.
• Assist in evacuation drills and emergency preparedness planning.

This model leverages social capital and peer influence, which can be more effective than top-down campaigns. It also fosters a sense of collective responsibility, moving away from the notion that fire prevention is solely the government’s duty.

Challenges and Considerations

While the initiative is promising, challenges remain. Ensuring consistent training, providing adequate equipment, and maintaining volunteer motivation over time require sustained funding and oversight. Additionally, integrating marshals into the formal emergency response structure without creating jurisdictional conflicts needs clear protocols. The success of the program will depend on measurable outcomes, such as reduced fire incidents in areas with active marshals, and continuous feedback loops with the Fire Service.

Practical Advice

Based on the government’s findings and the Fire Marshals Club’s objectives, here is actionable advice for individuals, businesses, and communities to prevent fires and respond effectively when they occur.

For Households and Individuals

• Electrical Safety: Hire licensed electricians for all wiring and repairs. Avoid daisy-chaining extension cords and overloading sockets. Regularly inspect cords for damage.
• Cooking Precautions: Never leave cooking unattended. Keep flammable items like towels away from stoves. Ensure LPG cylinders are stored upright in well-ventilated areas