Lagos fire incidents destroy N13.24bn property in 9 months

Fire and other emergency incidents destroyed property estimated at N13.24 billion across Lagos State between January and September 2026, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service has said.

The Service, however, said firefighters saved property estimated at N79.44 billion from destruction during the period, bringing the total estimated value of property affected by the incidents to N92.68 billion.

The figures were contained in the Service’s Third Quarter Activity Report, which showed that it responded to 1,324 emergency incidents during the nine-month period.

Fire emergencies accounted for the bulk of the incidents, with 1,135 fire calls, while the Service also handled 79 rescue calls, 100 salvage operations, nine collapsed-building incidents and one gas-related explosion.

The report showed that 210 victims were rescued alive while 65 suspected fatalities were recovered during emergency operations.

January recorded the highest number of incidents, with 203 cases, followed by March with 201, while September recorded the lowest, with 94 incidents.

In terms of fire calls, March recorded the highest figure at 176, followed by January with 173, while September recorded 80.

The Controller-General of the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Margaret Abimbola Adeseye, urged residents to strengthen fire-prevention measures as the dry season sets in.

She called for greater vigilance, prompt reporting of emergencies and compliance with fire-safety regulations, noting that prevention remained critical to reducing losses.

Adeseye advised residents and businesses to avoid indiscriminate burning, handle flammable materials safely, prevent electrical overloading and ensure that firefighting equipment and emergency exits remained functional and accessible.

The Service also disclosed that it recorded 341 false emergency calls during the period, warning that such calls could divert emergency responders from genuine incidents and endanger lives and property.

Adeseye reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to protecting lives and property through prompt response, public enlightenment, enforcement of fire-safety standards and community engagement.