The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has urged residents, businesses and institutions to strengthen fire prevention measures as the dry season begins, following 1,324 emergency incidents recorded between January and September 2026.
Fire outbreaks accounted for 1,135 of the incidents, making them by far the largest category of emergency calls handled by the Service during the nine-month period.
The figures were contained in the Service’s Third Quarter Activity Report, which also recorded 79 rescue calls, 100 salvage operations, nine collapsed-building incidents and one gas-related explosion.
Controller General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, said the figures underscored the need for greater fire safety consciousness, prompt reporting of emergencies and compliance with safety regulations across the state.
The Service said 210 victims were rescued alive during the period, while 65 suspected fatalities were recovered during emergency operations.
It also recorded 341 false emergency calls, warning that such calls could delay firefighters’ response to genuine emergencies and expose lives and property to greater risks.
The report showed that an estimated ₦79.44 billion worth of property was saved during emergency operations, while property losses were estimated at ₦13.24 billion. The total estimated value of properties affected stood at ₦92.68 billion.
January recorded the highest number of incidents at 203, followed by March with 201, while September recorded the lowest with 94 incidents.
For fire calls specifically, March recorded the highest figure at 176, followed by January with 173. September had the lowest number of fire calls at 80.
Adeseye advised residents to avoid indiscriminate burning, properly handle and store flammable materials, unplug electrical appliances when not in use and avoid overloading electrical sockets.
She also urged residents to maintain functional fire extinguishers, keep escape routes and access points clear, report emergencies promptly and cooperate with firefighters at incident scenes.
Adeseye reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through emergency response, fire prevention, public enlightenment, enforcement of safety standards and community engagement.
She stressed that fire prevention remained the most effective way to reduce the impact of fire emergencies, particularly during periods of heightened risk.